IV 118th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 809 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES October 24, 2023 Mr. Weber of Texas submitted the following resolution October 25, 2023 Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources RESOLUTION Recognizing Rett Reef off the coast of San Leon, Texas, in Galveston Bay, and all those associated with bringing the project to fruition.

Whereas the completion of Rett Reef off the coast of San Leon, Texas, in Galveston Bay, will mark the first oyster restoration reef in Texas established by a private oyster industry member; Whereas Lisa Halili, the founder of the San Leon Oyster Fest (SLOF), first conceived of the idea for Rett Reef to raise awareness of Rett syndrome, a rare neurodevelopmental disorder that primarily impacts girls and women and is characterized by slowing development, loss of mobility, and other life-changing symptoms; Whereas the Rett Reef project is being made possible through a partnership involving SLOF, Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House, Prestige Oysters, The Nature Conservancy, and Texas Sea Grant at Texas A&M University; Whereas, for the creation of Rett Reef, Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House is donating all the shells necessary to help restore a historical sport fishing reef that was destroyed by Hurricane Ike; Whereas, upon its completion, Rett Reef will be a nonharvestable oyster reef spanning 10 acres and will play an instrumental role in improving water quality, attracting fauna, protecting the area from storm surges, and educating the public about the many benefits provided by oyster reefs; Whereas, in addition, Rett Reef will serve as a habitat for fish and invertebrate species, and anglers will be able to use it as a recreational fishing location; and Whereas, with its natural beauty and abundant wildlife, the Galveston Bay area is one of the treasures of the Lone Star State, and Rett Reef will be a valuable addition to this vibrant and unique ecosystem: Now, therefore, be it