The state share must be derived from a non-federal source such as license fees. The unique thing about these facilities over those of the past is that they benefit state, regional and local economies by providing increased recreational opportunities and tourism. It is a worthwhile trip for the family to visit the department's newest marine and freshwater facilities - Sea Center Texas in Lake Jackson and the Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens. Texas Parks and Wildlife has developed strong research programs that have national recognition for the study of both inland and coastal fishes. Their purpose is to solve management problems and develop new approaches for providing quality fishing experiences.
Studies center around native species such as the largemouth bass and red drum.
Also studies of stocking procedures and evaluations, regulations and habitat manipulations that provide resource protection and increased fisheries are conducted. The biggest problem facing resource managers today is habitat loss and degradation. Because Texas has one of the fastest growing populations in the country, habitat protection has become a paramount concern of the department's Resource Protection Division. The division has been able to increase its conservation efforts with numberous habitat projects under the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Program. The educational goal is to increase the public's understanding of water resources and aquatic life forms as related to sport fish and the development of responsible attitudes toward the aquatic environment.