A Better Bivalve

This time last year we informed CCA Texas members of an industry coming to coastal waters - Cultivated oyster mariculture, more commonly referred to as oyster farming, is the process of growing oysters in containment systems off-bottom, in mid-water column, or floating at the water surface. The captive production of oysters is well known to coastal communities in other states but will be a new experience for anglers and other users of our bays. Oyster mariculture allows individuals the opportunity to influence the shape, size, look, texture and physical characteristics of the oyster depending on choices made before the oyster reaches market. Where the oyster is grown can help influence the taste of the oysters. How the oyster is grown can influence the shape. Inputs and decisions made by the grower create a product with unique brand recognition and the end result is a better bivalve for the half-shell consumer.

The bill that allows for cultivated oyster mariculture (House Bill 1300) was carried by Representative Todd Hunter (R-District 32) and signed into law by Governor Abbott in May 2019. It requires that Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPW) adopt rules for the new program so that by September 1, 2020 potential oyster farmers can begin the application process for necessary permits. To that end, TPW will conduct public hearings in April/May to gather public input on the proposed program rules, with a vote taken in late May at the TPW Commission Meeting.

The entire process of growing oysters will occur in three phases: 1) Hatchery, 2) Nursery, and 3) Grow-out. The first two phases are land-based or shoreline-based operations, with little to no conflicts with current activities along the coast. It is the final phase of oyster mariculture that will be the most visible in our bay systems, as there are numerous ways that a grower can achieve their desired goals for a half-shell oyster product. Grow-out containment systems or cages can be located just off-bottom, in mid-water column, and/or floating at the water’s surface. Each location within the water column has its own advantages and disadvantages, but most will be visible from the water surface.

Currently, TPW is considering allowing potential participants or permit applicants to self-nominate a location in the bay that is void of what they consider Tier 1 considerations: presence of sensitive or critical habitats, areas already under lease, dredge placement areas, oil/gas activities, mitigation sites, restoration sites, Health Department “Restricted” and “Prohibited Areas”, etc. Any area with a Tier 1 consideration is a non-starter and a potential participant will have to find another location. Most of the ideal locations along shorelines that don’t fall under a Tier 1 consideration will likely be subject to Tier 2 considerations; such as unfavorable environmental conditions, favorable recreational and commercial fishing locations, and neighboring entities (state parks, National Wildlife Refuges, etc.). The Tier 2 considerations are not a deal killer, but the applicant needs to be aware of the unique conditions of the proposed location. All locations will require a lease from the General Land Office (GLO) and will be subject to public comment.

Here is an outline of how the proposed application process will proceed:

Pre-application – Nominated site form → pre-application consultation → verification of Tier 1 clearances → natural resource survey → public notification (adjacent property owners and public meeting) → written authorization to proceed with application process.

Application – Operation plan → GLO submerged lands lease → Texas Commission on Environmental Quality discharge permit → Texas Agriculture Department aquaculture permit (for land-based facilities) → Department of Health and Human Services Sanitation Training → Army Corps of Engineers Nationwide 48 permit.

Currently, TPW projects that the entire application process could take up to 12 months to complete before a cultivated oyster mariculture permit is awarded to the potential participant. At this time, it is important to note that the application process may change after TPW staff consults with the TPW Commission and continues coordination with other state agencies.

As CCA Texas members are aware, public oyster reefs receive enormous pressure from commercial oyster fishing but also face other threats ranging from sedimentation, erosion, disease, predation, and freshwater events. Having healthy oysters in our bay systems is important for estuarine ecosystems as they provide numerous ecosystem services and better fishing.

CCA Texas supports cultivated oyster mariculture and will continue to work with the Texas Legislature and Texas Parks and Wildlife to develop a cultivated oyster mariculture program that addresses concerns of the angling community, redefines the Texas half-shell market, and puts more oysters in our waters to benefit the coastal ecosystem. Please reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions regarding oyster mariculture and the TPW rule making process for this new industry coming to Texas bays.

Oyster Mariculture

• Cultivated oyster mariculture produces excellent product for the half-shell market.
• Containment systems (cages) can be placed off-bottom, in mid-water column, or floating at the water surface.

Benefits:

• While in the water these oysters will be providing valuable ecosystem services.
• The oysters and containment systems will provide incredible habitat for numerous aquatic species.
• Cultivated oyster mariculture will provide the half-shell market with a superior product and unique brand recognition.

Challenges:

• There may be some user conflicts including the “NIMBY” (not in my backyard) viewpoint, access concerns and navigation concerns. 
• Containments systems will be susceptible to biofouling and will require consistent maintenance by growers.

CCA Texas Adjusts to COVID-19

Like the rest of the world, CCA Texas has had to make adjustments to the current COVID-19 pandemic and the effects it is having across the world. The spring fundraising season has been totally cancelled, and 27 events have been rescheduled to late summer and the fall. Volunteers and staff continue to work at safe distance while still working to put fundraising events into place for the 3^rd and 4^th quarters of the year.  

CCA Texas wishes the best for the entire membership and communities across the state in this challenging time. We encourage our members to patronize your local businesses, and especially those that support the organization. By being pro-active and following all necessary guidelines, our communities will come out strong and with a renewed sense and what is truly important in our lives.  

CCA Texas looks forward to seeing our local volunteer board members and supporters in the near future, and that by the time this issue has hit the newsstands our great nation is on the downhill side of these trying times. Stay safe and we hope to see you on the water soon.

For a full schedule of rescheduled events, please visit www.ccatexas.org.