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
Rice_s_whale_close_to_surfaec
March 2023 Issue

New Gulf of Mexico Whale Species Identified

Former Bryde's subspecies is now called Rice's whale.

Story by Melissa Gaskill
oyster boat during harvesting season in Texas
January/February 2023 Issue

Texas Oyster Season Opens With Multiple Bay Closures

Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission voted to permanently close three bays to oyster harvesting.

Story and photos by Texas Parks and Wildlife
Red snapper under water.
July 2022 Issue

Surprisingly Red

Tasty red snapper hide their vivid color underwater.

Story by Russell Roe
A diver studies the bleached coral
July 2018 Issue

Gulf’s Coral Reefs: Texas Treasure Threatened

Coral reefs face serious threats worldwide. Signs are showing at Flower Gardens off the Texas Coast.

Story by Texas Parks and Wildlife
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
Sandy shore of the Gulf coast with a grassy patch
July 2011 Issue

America's Sea: The Future of the Gulf

We all have a stake in the future of the Gulf of Mexico.

Story by Larry McKinney
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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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