Theresa Morris was drawn to the water from a very early age. “I was one of those kids who hung out in the marsh a lot,” she says. Born in Houston, Morris grew up spending time in the west end of Galveston, learning to swim and surf, and visiting the NOAA Galveston Laboratory. The lab’s turtle barn was participating in a program for hatchlings of the Texas state sea turtle, the Kemp’s ridley. That early experience ignited Morris’ desire to work as a biologist who researches sea turtles.
After studying marine biology at Texas A&M University at Galveston, Morris went to work for the university’s Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research, where she currently oversees the sea turtle hospital. Since opening in 2020, the hospital has treated more than 600 sick or injured sea turtles, with the goal to rehabilitate all stranded turtles and release them back into the wild. This includes the Kemp’s ridley, the most critically endangered sea turtle species in the world. “They are the ones that nest on our beaches most frequently, and we see hatchlings get washed back if they don’t have the strength to swim,” she says.
Because sea turtles migrate, they’re affected by changing weather patterns and can suffer from cold stuns, boat strikes, entanglements, and shark attacks. And they often reach Morris with bellies full of plastic. All beachgoers can help sea turtles by picking up trash.
“Sea turtles exemplify remarkable resilience,” Morris says. “Here on the Gulf Coast, where we’ve endured countless hurricanes, resilience is not just a virtue but a necessity.”
Morris’ Galveston Picks
1 ⁄ Galveston Children’s Museum
Since 2014, this museum has offered hands-on exhibits designed for children ages 10 and under. While her two children are now in middle school, it’s always been a Morris family favorite. “There’s a Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research rescue station where kids can pretend to be a sea turtle biologist and experience what we do at work,” she says.
2 ⁄ Clay Cup Studios
Located in the downtown arts district, Clay Cup hosts regular workshops and events like candle making and pottery painting. “The owner, Amy Owens, does great things for the community,” Morris says.
3 ⁄ Babe’s Beach
There are 32 miles of coastline around Galveston and plenty of opportunities to get to the beach. Morris recommends Babe’s Beach. “It’s a new renourished beach,” she says. “There are lots of shells, and it has more space than others.”
4 ⁄ Katie’s Seafood Market
Since 1998, Buddy Guindon, his wife, Katie, and his brother Kenny have sold fresh seafood, including oysters and blue crabs, at this market on Pier 19. “Buddy is a shrimper, and he has helped us out at the sea turtle hospital by donating seafood,” Morris says.
5 ⁄ Galveston Island Brewing
More than a dozen beers are crafted on-site at Galveston Island Brewing, a block from the beach. Enjoy a Tiki Wheat or Citra Haze Hazy IPA or Low Tide Light on the patio. “They’re family friendly and pet friendly, and you can always get a six-pack of Loggerhead Lager,” Morris says. A portion of sales of Loggerhead goes toward supporting sea turtle conservation.
