 As an estuary, the bay is home to a diverse ecosystem consisting of various birds including the endangered whooping crane, and numerous finfish including the redfish as well as shellfish such as oysters.It is classified as a nursery for shrimp, which prohibits production from the bay.Copano Bay is also a historic location for human usage and settlement that dates back to the 18th century, beginning with the historic port of "El Copano" and the 19th century settlements of St. Mary's of Aransas and Copano.