Conferences

Barrier Island Ecology

3 hr. field trip to the Padre Island National Seashore. Transportation provided by bus (1 hr. travel time each way = 5 hrs. total).

Registration limited to 25 people

Departure time and place: 8:30 a.m., Omni

Cost: Free

This field trip to beautiful Padre Island National Seashore will feature a beach walk led by a National Park Service interpreter, a presentation about our Kemp?s Ridley Recovery program and time to stroll the beach or do some surf fishing (bring your own gear). http://www.nps.gov/pais/

Kayaking and Fishing the Flats

A 4 hr. guided kayaking field trip to the Lighthouse Lakes Trails . Transportation provided by bus (1 hr. travel time each way = 6 hrs. total).

Registration limited to 20 people

Departure time and place: 6:30 a.m.; Omni

Cost: Free.

Texas fishing license required, $15 non-resident and $10 resident for a 1-day license.

Explore the Lighthouse Lakes trail system and discover the unique flora and fauna of this estuarine ecosystem with an option to fish the flats. Kayaks and some flyfishing gear will be available on a first-come-first-served basis. Steve Hall will lead the trip.

www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/boat/paddlingtrails/coastal/lighthouse_lakes/

Coastal Adventure Aboard the Wetland Explorer

A 3 hr. trip focusing on educating folks about our coastal wetlands. Transportation provided by bus (1 hr. travel time each way = 5 total hrs.).

Registration limited to 30 people

Departure time and place: 8:30 a.m.; Omni

Cost: Free

Owned and operated by the Aquatic Education Program at the Center for Coastal Studies Texas A&M-Corpus Christi the research Vessel (R/V) Wetland Explorer is a unique 36-foot shallow water vessel that can safely transport up to thirty people throughout the shallow bays and estuaries of South Texas. Join Captain W. Jay Tarkington to pull trawls and other various scientific equipment. Special modifications make the vessel handicapped accessible and "user friendly" for senior citizens. http://www.wetlanded.org/

Marine Science Aboard the Katy

4 hr. field trip aboard the Katy, a marine research vessel used in student marine biology field trips. Transportation provided by bus (plus 1 hr. drive time each way = 6 hours total).

Registration limited to 25 people

Departure time and place: 6:30 a.m., Omni

Cost: $20.00

On a typical class trip aboard the R/V KATY, participants collect water samples and analyze them for salinity, dissolved oxygen and nutrients; make plankton tows and bottom trawls and collect sediment samples. Bottlenose dolphins, brown pelicans and many other forms of life are typically seen. An understanding of the marine environment that supports such abundance is gained through measurement, observation and sampling.

Deep Water Fishing Aboard the Wharfcat

A 12 hr. trip in the Gulf to fish for red snapper, kingfish and other trophy fish. Transportation provided to and from the Omni. (1 hr. travel time each way = 14 total hrs.) For more information on this special trip see www.wharfcat.com

Departure time: 5:00 a.m.

Return time: 7:00 p.m.

Cost is $100 per person (does not include food or fishing license)

 Texas fishing license required, $15 non-resident and $10 resident for a 1-day license.

Food and drinks (sandwiches, chips, sodas, beer, & water) may be purchased on board separately--Boat accepts cash only, no credit cards or checks.