Texas Coastal and Marine Council

The Texas Council on Marine-Related Affairs (TCMRA) was established by the 62nd Legislature following a study undertaken by the Interim Committee on Oceanography appointed in 1969 by the Texas House of Representatives, House Simple Resolution 381, 61st Legislature. The purpose of this interim Committee was to study the feasibility of creating an institute of oceanography in the state. Such an institution would provide advanced studies in the field of oceanography, thus enabling Texans to make full use of their coastal and marine resources. In order to make this determination, a major survey of marine-related affairs in Texas was conducted. As a result of its survey, the Committee recommended the creation of a council on marine-related affairs to augment the functions of state government concerning marine matters. It also recommended more studies be done before deciding if a state oceanographic institute was needed.

In 1971, the 62nd Legislature, through House Bill 483, created the Texas Council on Marine-Related Affairs. In order to assist the newly established Council, the House passed House Simple Resolution 571 (62nd Legislature), creating an Interim Study Committee on Coastal and Marine Resources. This Committee worked with and supported the TCMRA, serving as a liaison with the Interagency Natural Resources Council of the Governor's Office, conducting research, and providing other supportive services.

The Texas Council on Marine-Related Affairs was composed of 12 members. The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Speaker of the House each appointed four members, one each to represent government, education, commerce and industry, and the public. Members served six-year overlapping terms. A chair was elected by the Council, and an Executive Director was appointed by the Council to handle the administrative duties of the TCMRA. Legislation was passed in 1973 (Senate Bill 327, 63rd Legislature) which changed the name of the Council to the Texas Coastal and Marine Council (TCMC), and increased Council membership to 16 members--four more government representatives were appointed, two each by the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker.

The Texas Coastal and Marine Council served as an advisory body to assist in the comprehensive assessment and planning of coastal resources management and other marine concerns in the state. The Council brought together groups with similar interests, focused legislative attention on the issues, and suggested remedies which were carried out by the appropriate state agencies. The Council gathered evidence, held and participated in public hearings, and heard testimony in order to accomplish its goals; accepted grants and gifts from any source; and reported its findings to the legislature. The Council maintained a liaison relationship with various branches and agencies in the federal government in order to assist the state in making use of federal funds, facilities, and programs relating to marine affairs.

The Council established several committees to conduct or oversee specific responsibilities: the Executive Committee, Rules and Procedures Committee, Artificial Reef Committee, Navigation Committee, Navigation Financing Committee, Fisheries Committee, and the Coastal Erosion Committee. The Council maintained a small staff and used other state agencies and outside consultants to conduct much of the research, studies, and projects undertaken by the Council.

The Council worked on a number of issues in coastal and marine affairs for the state, including superports and the establishment and support of the Texas Offshore Terminal Commission; artificial reefs, especially the acquisition of Liberty Ships for use as artificial reefs; coastal public land management legislation; federal Coastal Zone Management Act, developing guidelines for implementing the act; groundwater management; insurance and disaster relief for coastal residents; hurricane awareness; hurricane resistant building standards; marine transportation; marine sanctuaries; beach management; coastal erosion; oil spills; and commercial fisheries.

Following the recommendations of the Sunset Advisory Commission, the Texas Coastal and Marine Council was abolished September 1, 1985.

From the guide to the Records, 1968-1985, undated, (Repository Unknown)