As a result of the cooperative NRDA process and the 2005 NRDA settlement, the following restoration projects have been implemented to compensate the public for the resource injuries and recreational fishing losses:

• 70 acres of salt marsh have been created in the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge and more than 11 acres of oyster reef in the bay to restore both productive benthic habitats as well as fishery and shellfish species, including recreationally important finfish. The created marsh also adds to the foraging area of endangered whooping cranes in the Refuge.
• Over 700 acres of coastal prairie habitat are recovering from overuse by cattle and are being permanently preserved via adding them to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.
• Three lighted fishing piers, a new boat ramp, two new docks, and other improvements to restore and enhance fishing opportunities that the public lost due to the fishing closure in the bay.

300-foot lighted fishing pier constructed at Bay Front Park: one of six projects to increase access to and enhance recreational fishing opportunities in the bay. Photo courtesy of Ken Rice, FWS.