SEA Pavilion

for the Marine Development Center

of Corpus Christi, Texas

The Corpus Christi and San Antonio chapters of the Saltwater-fisheries Enhancement Association (SEA) are teaming up to bring a much needed pavilion to the Marine Development Center in Corpus Christi, Texas.

The Texas Parks & Wildlife Marine Development Center is a state-funded facility whose focus is to rear spotted sea trout and red drum for release into coastal bays and estuaries, thereby replenishing depleted populations.   The center soon will be rearing flounder in an effort to aid those populations, as well.

In addition, the center offers community outreach events such as KidsFish, the focus of which is to introduce youth to conservation as well as the sport of fishing.  Other events include hosting marine science classes for activities such as fish dissections, and making available the center’s touch tanks for a hands-on learning experience.  These events currently serve over 1,500 visitors each year, the majority of whom are children and youth, and are offered to promote conservation of coastal resources.

In an effort to support the ongoing mission of conservation, which is at the heart of both SEA and the Marine Development Center, SEA proposes construction of a 40-foot by 80-foot open-air pavilion to be used for events such as those described.  Currently, these events are held in a small maintenance building which is set up and cleared out before and after each event.  The pavilion would provide not only a central and dedicated location for these events, but would also provide separate bathrooms for participants, as well as a kitchen-style area where meals, which are often a part of these events, can be prepared, as well.  Seating for all events would take place under the pavilion, providing space for all who attend as well as shelter from the elements.

SEA invites and welcomes corporate, professional and personal participation and contributions to this worthy project.  Financial contributions, material discounts, engineering services, trade services and labor are but a few of the needs that must be met in order to make the pavilion a reality.  For information on how you can help, or to contribute thoughts and ideas, contact Jack Word at j.word@sbcglobal.net, Mark Sellards at msellards@gunnauto.com, or Charles Isbell at charles-isbell@att.net.