New Online Identification Guide to Texas Marine Organisms

I don’t get down to the coast much, but I thought this would be helpful for some of you that do. 

AUSTIN — Ever encountered a weird sea creature that defies description? Caught a saltwater fish but don’t quite know what kind it is? Now there’s an easy way to identify whatever it is you’ve run across.

Launched this summer, the Identification Guide to Marine Organisms of Texas has been compiled from decades of data by TPWD Coastal Fisheries biologist Brenda Bowling and is a great resource for anglers, biologists, beach combers and others who want to know more. The new online tool uses photos, detailed descriptions and other descriptors so that users can identify and learn more about the mystery creature they have found…..

….The site currently contains descriptions of 422 marine species and is considered a living document. It will be updated as more species, better photos and new information are documented in the future. Anyone who still cannot identify the sea creature they have encountered is encouraged to send clear photos to Brenda Bowling at txmarspecies@tpwd.state.tx.us. To access the site go to http://txmarspecies.tamug.edu.