Gulf of Mexico

Person in a hat showing off a large fish.
March 2026 Issue

A Floating Shack Serves as Home Base for a Fishing Weekend in the Laguna Madre

How much fish can you eat? A wildly productive weekend includes crab, shrimp, redfish and more.

Story by Judson Vail
A remora attaches itself to a shark.
January/February 2025 Issue

Remoras Are the Ultimate Marine Hitchhikers

This fascinating fish attaches itself a shark or other host and hangs on.

Story by Karina Kumar
Oyster shell against a white background
November 2024 Issue

Inside the Fight to Save Texas' Oyster Reefs

Amid continued declines, Texas expands oyster farming and monitors wild harvest.

Story by Sofia Tyreman
A father and daughter, both dressed in black wetsuits, carry blue surfboards into the water at Mustang Island
October 2024 Issue

A Dad and Daughter Make the Most of Texas' Flourishing Surf Scene

They learn to ride the waves as they prepare for Mustang Island's fickle, fabled surf break.

Story by Dan Oko
Red snapper under water.
July 2022 Issue

Surprisingly Red

Tasty red snapper hide their vivid color underwater.

Story by Russell Roe
20130822_TPWD_RiverPatrol_1379
October 2014 Issue

Game Wardens Thwart Illegal Long-Line Fishing in the Gulf

Environmental pirates are poaching Texas waters.

Story by Mike Cox
oil spill clean up
July 2014 Issue

Four Years After Oil Spill, Restoration Projects Are Underway

Federal funding targets ecosystems along the Gulf affected by The Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Story by Sheryl Smith-Rodgers
oil spill clean up
December 2010 Issue

Gulf Wildlife May Feel BP Oil Spill's Effects for Years

No significant oil reached Texas, but fallout is still felt.

Story by Melissa Gaskill
Close up on head of a sperm whale
July 2008 Issue

Sperm Whales Are One of the Gulf's Best-Kept Secrets

These deep-sea whales may be making a comeback. Studying them isn't easy.

Story by Elaine Robbins
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The October 2024 cover of Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine, featuring a surfer riding a wave along the Texas Gulf Coast

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