TITLE: Recognizing March 5, 2025, as Texas State Aquarium Day at the State Capitol.

SUMMARY: Recognizing March 5, 2025, as Texas State Aquarium Day at the State Capitol.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Texas State Aquarium Day is taking place at the State Capitol on March 5, 2025; and WHEREAS, A private, nonprofit organization located in Corpus Christi, the Texas State Aquarium is a popular tourist destination that has helped to build the state's reputation as a national leader in wildlife resiliency and environmental education; in 2023, the institution contributed $195 million to the state's economy while supporting a workforce of more than 1,300 employees; and WHEREAS, The Texas State Aquarium works to advance wildlife conservation through its Wildlife Rescue Center, which has emerged as the largest coastal wildlife rescue facility in Texas and one of the largest in the United States; to date, the center has rehabilitated and returned more than 5,000 land and sea animals to their natural habitats; in addition, the aquarium partners with multiple state and federal agencies to monitor and manage emergency wildlife response activities, and it features the nation's only emergency operations center dedicated to wildlife disaster preparedness, response, and recovery; and WHEREAS, The Texas State Aquarium's workforce development programs have provided educational opportunities to more than 5,100 students, helping to equip the next generation of conservationists and professionals with the skills they need to become leaders in their fields; and WHEREAS, By encouraging Texans to appreciate the beauty, diversity, and vulnerability of marine life, the Texas State Aquarium is making a significant contribution to the Lone Star State, and all those associated with this exemplary institution are indeed deserving of special recognition for their dedication to environmental stewardship; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby recognize March 5, 2025, as Texas State Aquarium Day at the State Capitol and extend a warm welcome to the visiting delegation. Hunter Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 444 was adopted by the House on March 5, 2025, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House