Texan Honored for Commitment to RGV Reef: Sustaining Fishing and Marine Life, Pioneering Carbon Capture Study by Sarah-Victoria Lozano de Gonzalez |
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Gary Glick, President of Friends of Rio Grande Valley Reef (RGV Reef), received recognition last week on April 16th at the Isla Blanca Park Event Center for his exceptional dedication to environmental conservation and marine biodiversity.
For years, Glick has been a driving force behind the restoration of marine life in the South Padre Island area, particularly focusing on revitalizing Red Snapper populations. Motivated by a desire to provide future generations with fishing opportunities and to protect endangered species, Glick and his associates founded the non-profit organization, Friends of RGV Reef. Under Glick's leadership, they initiated an ambitious project to construct a manmade reef, aiming to attract fish and create vital habitat.
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Left -Right (Pete Sheffield of Enbridge Corporation, US Congressman Vicente Gonzalez, Dr Richard Kline Professor of Marine Sciences at UTRGV, Gary Glick, County Commissioners Sofia Benavides, and Joey Lopez, and SPI Councilman Ken Medders, Jr.) | |
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Now, seven years later, RGV Reef stands as a testament to Glick's vision, spanning an impressive 1,650 acres and composed of 76 million pounds of recycled concrete material. The reef has become the largest artificial nursery reef off the Texas Coast, with some experts suggesting it could be the first of its kind globally. Notably, the reef has not only facilitated the return of various fish species but has also provided sanctuary for endangered marine life, including the Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle.
In addition to his marine conservation efforts, Glick collaborated with the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) on a groundbreaking carbon capture study. Recognizing the potential of reefs to mitigate climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide, Glick and UTRGV engaged in a two-year academic study, led by prominent marine biologists. This pioneering research is set to conclude this year, marking a significant contribution to climate science.
Despite health challenges prompting his step down from leadership, Glick's legacy will endure, with plans for new reef deployments later this year. Federal, state, and local proclamations will be made in recognition of Glick's work, along with letters authored by U.S. Senator John Cornyn and U.S. Congressman Vicente Gonzalez commending Glick's efforts. The community dedicated a bench in Glick's honor at Isla Blanca Park. |
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| Sarah-Victoria Lozano de Gonzalez, a Brownsville native, holds degrees in Political Science and English from Baylor University. She currently serves as a reporter for Island Matters, a digital newspaper covering news on South Padre Island, bringing with her legal expertise gained from various law firms, courthouses, and probation offices.
In her free time, she passionately advocates for children in CASA. |
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