The Coastal Bend Bays Plan identifies “Priority Issues” that focus on the following areas.

Human Uses - The bays and estuaries of the Texas Coastal Bend contain a wealth of resources for people to enjoy and appreciate. These resources are central to the quality of life for many who live or come to recreate here. One of the goals of the CBBEP is to ensure that people continue to benefit from a safe, clean bay system and to inform the citizens of this community and our millions of visitors about how to enjoy the resources without damaging them.

Freshwater Inflows - Natural salinity gradients in the bay have been disrupted decreasing the ecological value of important nursery areas for commercial and recreationally important fish and shrimp species. Freshwater inflows to the bay from the Nueces River have been reduced on average by more than 50%. This reduction in river inflows directly corresponds to reductions in nutrient and sediment inflows to the bay.

Maritime Commerce - Maritime commerce is vital and will continue as the cornerstone of the region's economy. Every year, some 80,000 vessels of all types cross the bays of the Coastal Bend. Oil and petrochemicals make up more than 90 percent of the cargo tonnage moved by ship and barge on the waters of the Coastal Bend bays. The possibility of an accident that could impact the marine environment must be minimized through practical and cost-effective strategies.

Habitat Loss - CBBEP status and trends reports have documented a considerable loss of wildlife habitat, especially wetlands. This reduction of available habitat has resulted in changes to species composition and the overall health of the estuary system. Habitat loss is primarily attributed to land use conversion, principally industrial and residential development.

Water and Sediment Quality - Several areas within the bay systems fail to meet established water quality standards and are included on the State’s 303(d) list of impaired water segments. In addition, the commercial harvest of shellfish from certain areas is prohibited due to pollution. The primary cause of these problems appears to be pollution from nonpoint sources or historical contamination.

Public Education and Outreach - One of the most important goals of the Bays Plan is to educate citizens about the ecology of the bay system, its many environmental and economic values, and how individuals can make a positive difference to ensure its long-term health. To accomplish this, the Bays Plan is designed to raise the public's environmental awareness, foster community stewardship of bay resources, and increase individual involvement in bay resource management issues.