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How Phillips 66 supports coastal restoration at Chocolate Bay Preserve.
A significant donation from Phillips 66 to Galveston Bay Foundation aims to combat erosion of the Southeast Texas coastline and support wetlands restoration.
Why it matters: Coastal wetlands are the first line of defense against storm surge and a vital habitat for local wildlife.
“This breakwater is the beginning of creating coastal resilience that we’re going to depend upon for decades into the future.”
Suzanne Simpson, director of land protection, Galveston Bay Foundation
See how coastal restoration at Chocolate Bay Preserve supports long‑term resilience.
The installation of a 16,000-linear-foot hard structure breakwater will decrease the wave energy hitting the shoreline and create a buffer that keeps the balance of fresh water and saltwater in the Chocolate Bay Preserve; the back of the breakwater will create a calm reef sanctuary for young oysters to cling to and grow.
Additionally, the project includes restoration of the 20 acres of wetland where wildlife such as shrimp, crab and fin fish thrive and where endangered species such as the eastern black rail find protection in the tall grasses.
“Our strategic approach to sustainability centers on developing our people, reducing environmental impact, and strengthening the communities we serve,” says Gabi Farnham, Ph.D., director of sustainability at Phillips 66.
“One of the ways we do that is through long-term partnerships with conservation experts like Galveston Bay Foundation, where we can invest in environmental initiatives that provide essential value to our daily lives. We are committed to the economic, social and environmental resilience of our communities, and projects like these help Phillips 66 deliver on our social impact mission,” Farnham added.
Simpson concludes that the Galveston Bay’s ecosystem health is dependent on the health of our intertidal wetlands, “The Chocolate Bay Preserve is a really special place — a confluence of multiple ecosystems — that is dependent upon us to manage it smartly, manage it correctly and manage it for the long-term future of the Texas coast.”