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Recreational fishing is a widely enjoyed pastime in the local community, particularly in Southeast Texas, renowned for its abundant fishing opportunities. However, the aftermath of the 2010 BP oil spill led to the removal of over 1,800 platforms near Sabine Pass.
In response, the HI20 Sabine Pass Reef Site emerged in 2018 through collaboration between grassroots anglers, conservationists, local industrial partners and Texas Parks and Wildlife. This initiative aimed to establish an artificial reef program, safeguarding the fishing prospects of Southeast Texas.
Evolving into one of the most extensive reef projects along the Texas coast, the site spans 160 acres and features a diverse range of materials, such as a 120foot barge, culverts, granite blocks, steel structural components and purposedesigned pyramid structures. These elements collectively create an opined optimal habitat for the burgeoning marine ecosystem.
The upcoming reef system, slated to commence construction this spring, will be situated approximately two miles off the beach in front of Sea Rim State Park – a well-known fishing locale. Accessible by kayak, this new addition seeks to enhance the overall fishing experience. To aid local anglers, the Sabine Pass public boat ramp now showcases signage with coordinates for both existing and future reef structures, ensuring a top-tier fishing experience for the community. The Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) accepted a $20,000 donation on Dec. 12 from Golden Pass LNG and Vice President Jeremy Horn to help fund this program.
“We wanted to have our friends here today that are part of this reef restoration project, obviously, to provide the check but, also, just to say, ‘Thank you for what you guys do,’ and express our appreciation for being able to be part of that,” Horn said. “We have a set of values here at Golden Pass LNG regarding safety and integrity and the way we do things and care for our people, but that also includes a relationship with the community and the environment around us. This project speaks to those values and is an opportunity to give back in a way that is both helpful to the environment and enjoyable to our community.”
Mic Cowart, former Sabine Pass Port Authority port manager spoke to dozens of attendees.
“For all of you that work for Golden Pass, you should be very proud of what your company has done,” he said. “Golden Pass was one of the first partners that stepped up in 2018 to help with this and has given $140,000 to date for this project!
“Your core values can be seen on the wall and in presentations, but to see it in action at a local level is proving the validity of that mission statement, and we could not be more appreciative of what you guys have done to provide opportunities to build the artificial reefs and provide fishing opportunities locally.”
“I am really excited and thankful for Mic and all of you at Golden Pass helping build a reef that people can easily reach and enjoy,” Robert Hickman said on behalf of CCA Texas. “Thanks for the money, thanks for the reef, and let’s go fishin’!”