The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department closed another oyster harvest area in Galveston Bay on Feb. 14 after surveys found too few legal-sized oysters, leaving only two of eight areas open as restoration efforts intensify.
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The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has announced the closure of an additional commercial and recreational oyster harvest area in Galveston Bay. This decision comes after an assessment revealed that the reef is no longer capable of supporting a sustainable population of legal-sized oysters for fishing activities.
The closure, which took effect on February 14, has resulted in only two of the bay’s eight designated harvest areas remaining open. State biologists have reported a significant decline in oyster populations within the affected area, with numbers dropping below necessary thresholds. The decrease includes a concerning shortage of oysters reaching the minimum legal harvest size of 3 inches.
Regional Director Kelley Kowal emphasized that the closures are essential for ensuring the long-term viability of oyster populations.
According to Kowal, harvest areas frequently shut down in response to intense fishing pressure; however, environmental stressors like flooding and drought also play a significant role in the decline of populations.
The recent shutdown occurs amid efforts by federal, state, and local officials to enhance oyster restoration initiatives throughout Texas. In 2024, Galveston County Judge Mark Henry declared a disaster for the local oyster industry following significant flooding that caused damage to reefs, as reported by Houston Public Media. In 2008, Hurricane Ike caused significant damage to oyster habitats on the eastern side of Galveston Bay, leading to a two-year closure in that area.
Prior to Hurricane Ike, Galveston Bay was responsible for approximately 90% of Texas' oyster production, yielding around 6 million pounds each year. According to the Galveston Bay Foundation, annual production has remained below 3.5 million pounds since that time.
Industry leaders assert that the recent closure underscores significant ecological challenges facing the sector.
“Oysters serve as an early warning indicator for the health of the bays,” stated Justin Woody, vice president of Jeri’s Seafood, an oyster wholesaler. “They serve as the cornerstone.” These organisms serve as a crucial component of the bay's ecosystem.
Woody has issued a warning regarding Texas's position in oyster production, noting that the state lags behind Louisiana. He stressed the need to launch aggressive restoration efforts to avert additional losses in the industry.
A notable restoration strategy includes private leasing facilitated by the state’s Certificate of Location program, enabling individuals to lease bay bottom acreage for the purpose of rebuilding oyster reefs. The latest round of applications closed in November 2025 and is currently under review.
Nonprofit organizations actively engage in efforts to restore natural habitats. The Galveston Bay Foundation has joined forces with approximately 40 restaurants in the Houston, Clear Lake, and Galveston areas to implement a recycling program for oyster shells.
“We observe the growth of oysters.” "We are experiencing significant success, with adult oysters flourishing in the reefs," stated Sally Clark, director of habitat restoration for the foundation. “Nevertheless, there is a pressing need to accelerate the pace.”
Recycled shells undergo a curing process lasting approximately six months before they are returned to the bay. This initiative aims to provide a substrate for young oysters, facilitating their attachment and growth.
Officials from Texas Parks and Wildlife have announced that they will persist in monitoring closed areas, with plans to reopen them once oyster populations satisfy state criteria.
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