Nueces County Commissioners Court voted Thursday to add the Texas State Aquarium to the county’s list of approved outside agencies and to authorize an allocation for the Aquarium’s rescue center programs.

Commissioner Mike Pusley, who said he serves on the aquarium’s board, asked that the organization be added to the approved list; commissioner remarks highlighted the Aquarium’s recent sea‑turtle rescues, releases and local education work. Representatives present included Jesse Gilbert, executive director, and Jennifer Veil, chief government affairs officer for the Texas State Aquarium, who described rescue and conservation efforts.

Commissioner Pusley moved to add the aquarium and to approve the allocation; the motion was seconded and passed. One commissioner abstained because their role on the aquarium’s board was reported as a conflict: the county judge stated, “The county attorney has asked me to abstain from voting on this since I serve on the board,” and he abstained on that basis. The recorded vote on the motion was four ayes and one abstention.

Commissioners commented they expect the approved funds to support the Aquarium’s rescue center operations. One commissioner said they would follow up with additional outside agency funding from their discretionary allocations.

Votes at a glance

- Add Texas State Aquarium to outside agency list and approve allocation: motion made by Commissioner Mike Pusley; second not specified; outcome: 4 ayes, 1 abstain (county attorney/board conflict reported).