Texas Sea Grant interns showcase outreach, water-quality and fishing-industry projects in Galveston County

Brandy Keller, Coastal Marine Resources Agent for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Texas Sea Grant, introduced three summer interns who presented their projects and thanked the commissioners for support.

Haley Reese, a community-engaged intern studying oceanography and ocean science technology at Texas A&M University, described certifications and outreach she completed, including angler education instructor certification and a riparian and stream ecosystem workshop. "I have grown professionally and personally through outreach events and presentations," Reese said, adding that she helped monitor a non-harvestable oyster reef near San Leon and interviewed local fishermen to create profiles that connect the public with the seafood industry.

Sandy Berry said her work with the Galveston Bay Area Master Naturalist chapter focused on monofilament recycling and community education, including building and distributing fishing-line recycling tubes and supporting a water ambassador academy for high school students. Chelsea Carillo, a recent Lamar University graduate working on water-quality and nature-based solutions, described developing a water-quality education and monitoring program and completing Texas Stream Team core monitoring training. "Protecting water quality means protecting public health, local businesses, jobs, and the long term economic value of Galveston County's coastal resources," Carillo said.

The interns requested permission to hand out informational packets and take photos; the court and staff approved. The presentations, court members said, illustrated how partnerships among Texas Sea Grant, AgriLife Extension and local organizations support coastal resilience and workforce development in Galveston County.