|
Barrier Islands are rocky, sandy islands and beaches, dunes, and wetlands located along the Atlantic and gulf
coasts. There are 280 barrier islands along the U.S. coastline. Texas has 17 barrier islands that total 191,762 acres. Texas also has the longest and broadest barrier islands: Mustang and
Padre islands joined together create a 130-mile beach.* These beaches and the wildlife resources of these islands attract thousands of tourists and millions of tourist dollars to coastal communities every year. In addition, the islands play an important role in protecting mainland communities from storms, high tides, and erosion—hence their name. Barrier islands also provide critical habitat for songbirds, shorebirds, turtles, and other wildlife, and they contribute to the production of fish and shellfish. But, over the years, heavy commercial and residential development on barrier islands has threatened these resources and diminished their protective role.
|
