NOV 29 RECD DAD FROM: ABC FYI OIL SPILL DAMAGE MINIMAL TO TEXAS' FISH, WILDLIFE AUSTIN -- According to data collected by the Parks and Wildlife Department, the environmental impact of oil from the Mexican well in Campeche Bay has for the most part been minimal on Texas fish and wildlife resources. Based on information now available, there is no evidence of noticeable damage to Texas fish or wildlife other than redfish larvae as a result of the oil spill. The department will continue to monitor the impact possibly of the oil spill on larval redfish to determine the extent additional stocking is necessary to offset losses. Biologists on the department's vessel "Western Gulf" checked shrimp samples from oil sheen waters at the height of contamination and found that the shrimp had not been harmed. Shrimp and oyster production are down this year as a result of flooding and other environmental factors, not because of the oil spill. Although the shrimp harvest was down, the dollar value was up due to increased prices. Through extensive efforts, oil was blocked from most bays and estuaries, saving valuable nursery grounds from possible damage. The oil also had little or no effect on shore and wading birds, and had absolutely no impact on the endangered whooping cranes or migratory waterfowl. LW 11/21/79