Characterization of selected public health issues in Galveston Bay

The purpose of this study is to characterize public health issues associated with bay use activities such as shellfish consumption and contact and non-contact recreation. The major objectives of this characterization study are: 1. Review and summarize activities associated with shellfish bed closures; 2. Identify and characterize sources of bacterial contamination; 3. Review and characterize areas of Galveston Bay which have exceeded water quality standards for contact and non-contact recreation; and 4. Assess the incidence of known pathogenic organisms such as Vibrio vulnificus. The characterization includes consideration of indicator organisms and known pathogenic organisms and covers all identified water quality segments of Galveston Bay. The study is an analysis of existing data obtained from agencies involved with public health protection and regulation -- the Texas Department of Health (TDH) and the Texas Water Commission (TWC), as well as information provided by Galveston and Harris counties, the City of Houston, and numerous other sources.