Current Projects

Critical Life History Parameters of the Texas Diamond-backed Terrapin, Malaclemys terrapin littoralis
EIH continues to build upon previous research on the population and distribution of the Texas diamond-backed terrapin in the upper Texas coast.

Design, Construction, and Analysis of Floating Wetlands
EIH researchers will build and analyze floating treatment wetland systems as an additional technology approach to reduce stormwater pollutant loads.

Galveston Bay Dolphin Research Program
The objectives of this project are to implement a monitoring program for bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Galveston Bay, Texas; to determine relative abundance within the upper Galveston Bay Estuary and Houston Ship Channel; and to characterize residency patterns, habitat use and ranging patterns of these dolphins.

Microplastics in the Galveston Bay Watershed: The Big Impacts of Tiny Pollution
The primary objective of this project is to estimate the density and occurrence of microplastics in surface waters and sediments of Galveston Bay.

National Rivers and Streams Assessment
The NRSA is a statistical survey designed and coordinated by the EPA to evaluate the condition of the nation's boatable rivers and wadable streams. EIH is sampling 80 sites across the state in 2023 and 2024.

Targeted Bacteria Monitoring Project
EIH collected bacteria samples in nine assessment units in the greater Houston area in order to investigate potential bacteria loading sources during dry weather.

Texas Clean Rivers Program
The goal of the CRP is to maintain and improve the quality of water resources within each river basin in Texas through an ongoing partnership involving TCEQ, river authorities, local and state governments, industry, citizens and other agencies. EIH conducts routine ambient monitoring at 55 CRP sites in the Houston-Galveston area.

Tracking Perkinsus marinus (Dermo) Infection in Sun Cured Oysters: Ensuring Safe Oyster Shell Recycling Programs in Galveston Bay
Researchers are evaluating the influence of multiple operational variables on the presence and prevalence of Dermo pathogens in oyster tissue.

Utilizing Eel Ramps, eDNA, and Plankton Sampling to Monitor American Eel Recruitment in Texas
EIH researchers are constructing and deploying eel ramps specially designed to target ingressing glass eels and elvers along the central to upper Texas Coast.