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Texas Surface Water Resources. 15 major river basins. 191,000 miles of rivers and streams. 7 major estuaries. ~ 200 springs. 6 million acres of bottomland hardwoods and forested wetlands. Importance of Aquatic Ecosystems.
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Texas Surface Water Resources 15 major river basins 191,000 miles of rivers and streams 7 major estuaries ~ 200 springs 6 million acres of bottomland hardwoods and forested wetlands
Importance of Aquatic Ecosystems • 191,000 miles of rivers and streams in Texas provide habitat for 255 species of fishes • With over 150 species of native freshwater fishes, Texas ranks among the most biologically diverse states • Texas ranks 2nd nationally in terms of angler days and the amount of money spent on fishing • Sportfishing generates almost $6.4 billion per year
Threats to Aquatic Ecosystems • At least five native Texas fishes are now extinct and three more are extirpated throughout the Texas portion of their range • ~20% of Texas fishes are threatened with extinction or extirpation from the Texas portion of their range • With 31 state and federally-listed endangered aquatic animals, Texas ranks in the top five states for numbers of endangered aquatic species
Threats to Aquatic Ecosystems • 29 watersheds in Texas identified as critical for conserving at-risk fish and mussel species • Of 281 springs that were identified as historically significant, more than 80 have failed completely • With over half of the state’s water needs satisfied by groundwater, a number of the state’s largest springs continue to be at risk • Population of Texas predicted to double between the year 2000 and the year 2050.