Curtis RGV

Since 1950, we have lost half of our oceans’ coral reefs. As sea temperatures rise due to the relentless burning of fossil fuels, endangering the fragile marine ecosystems, scientists are urgently looking for solutions. One example is located off the coast in southern Texas. It’s a giant 2.5-square mile artificial reef comprised of intentionally sunken vessels, concrete rail …

Artificial reefs could offer a new climate solution As rising ocean temperatures lead to coral bleaching, projects like this can bring a level of resilience to marine life. Read More »

Dr. Richard Klein, Ph.D., bags samples from the RGV Reef to be studied in the lab. (Image credit: UTRGV) An ambitious two-year study to determine the carbon capture potential of artificial reefs—as a possible tool to combat climate change—completes its first half with encouraging results.   “The early data that we are seeing is delivering …

Carbon Capture Study at the Largest Artificial Reef Pushes Past Half-Way Mark, Early Data is Promising Read More »

Carbon capture is a hot topic in green energy currently. Some see the technology to remove carbon emission from the air as essential to slowing global warming (although not everyone is convinced). The Biden administration recently committed more than $1 billion dollars for carbon capture projects, including one in Texas.  There are natural ways to capture carbon, too: Trees …

Artificial reefs have lots of benefits. Is carbon capture one of them? Read More »

A researcher bags samples from the RGV Reef to be studied in the lab By Curtis Hayungs RGV / October 18, 2023   Initial data from a groundbreaking study shows carbon-capture potential   SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TX, Oct. 18, 2023 – An ambitious two-year study to determine the carbon capture potential of artificial reefs – as a possible …

Carbon capture study at the largest artificial reef pushes past half-way mark, early data is promising Read More »

First of its kind study could be a game changer in dealing with climate change. SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TX, Oct. 19, 2022 – Friends of RGV Reef (RGV Reef), a Texas non-profit, is pleased to announce the official launch of a new study to determine the carbon capture potential, also known as carbon sequestration, of …

Carbon Capture Research Begins at Largest Artificial Reef in Texas Read More »

UTRGV students, Jamie Langbein, Marybeth Weihbrecht, Caitlin Brett and Anna Mehner – all wildlife biology grad students in Kline lab set and haul fish traps to catch the smaller red snapper for the Cooperative Tagging Program.  One of the traps came up just absolutely stuffed with triggerfish. They did catch one previously tagged Red …

Biology grad students in Kline lab set and haul fish traps to catch the smaller red snapper for the Cooperative Tagging Program Read More »

It’s incredibly difficult & expensive to pull all the wood, glass, insulation, wiring, and plastic out of these boats. After the initial boat gutting process we then had to scrape the fuel tanks and bilge clean. We pressure washed them to the point where there was no oily film when rising the water. This work …

Sinking the 110′ Titan Read More »