Huffman, JProceedings of the Eighth Biennial State of the Bay Symposium January 23-25, 20072010-02-152010-02-15Jan. 24, 2http://hdl.handle.net/1969.3/18615[np]Galveston Bay is unique. It resides in a particular part of the Nation where several ecotypes and natural migration patterns converge. As a result, a great diversity of birds and other wildlife can be seen in and around the Galveston Bay ecosystem. As in most ecosystems, there are challenges to conserving fish, wildlife and their habitats. The conservation of some species found here, listed as threatened or endangered by the State or Federal government, can be especially difficult. Exponential population growth of coastal areas with subsequent habitat loss or fragmentation, and competing lands uses are constant factors influencing conservation efforts. Additionally, limitations on available funding, project staff, or local guidelines can also present obstacles to conservation. In the face of these challenges, great partnerships have emerged to produce successful accomplishments. In large part people will be the source of the some of Galveston Bay's greatest challenges and yet they will also be part of the solution.challengesconservationendangered speciespopulation growththreatened speciesCONF