Optimization of Freshwater Inflows to Lavaca‐Tres Palacios, Texas, Estuary

Abstract

The companion paper by the writers developed a model for the determination of optimal freshwater inflows into bays and estuaries for the purpose of balancing freshwater demands with the various types of fish harvests. This model has been applied to determine the freshwater inflow needs into the Lavaca‐Tres Palacios Estuary in Texas for various scenarios. The results of the model application are analyzed for various management alternatives, treatment of salinity constraints, and the desired levels of certainty for harvest regression equations. The comparison of the application results with previous models further illustrates the advancement of this new model. The new methodology can provide a powerful tool for analysis of “what if” type scenarios for decision makers to quantitatively analyze various water resources management strategies.