Certificate of Location (CoL) offers the opportunity to provide non-harvestable conservation oyster reefs, which will also provide critical ecosystem services. Construction can proliferate in different forms, from thin-layer full-coverage placements to mound configurations, as shown in the photo of St. Charles Bay Reef.
By Director of Habitat John Blaha and Advocacy Director Shane Bonnot
What is the Certificate of Location (CoL) Program?
The Certificate of Location (CoL) Program is jointly administered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the Texas General Land Office (GLO). The program leases designated areas in Texas coastal waters for private, on-bottom oyster cultivation and harvesting.
Historically, the program was limited to commercial oyster production and included only approximately 43 lease areas totaling 2,318 acres, all located in Galveston Bay. However, significant changes made during the 88th Texas Legislative Session through Senate Bill 1032, along with recent rule revisions approved by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission (TPWC), have expanded the program’s purpose. The CoL Program can now support both commercial oyster production and large-scale oyster reef restoration projects.
Why is the CoL Program Important?
The recent legislative and regulatory changes represent a major advancement in the management and restoration of Texas oyster resources. The expanded CoL Program provides an opportunity to generate both significant ecological benefits and longterm economic value.
Qualified nonprofit organizations, research institutions, and other conservation organizations may now lease degraded bay bottoms—up to 100 acres per site—to restore oyster reefs under active use requirements established by TPWD. During the lease period, these restoration areas are closed to commercial oyster harvest, allowing oyster populations and reef habitat to recover.
Commercial CoLs operate under similar leasing requirements but grant leaseholders exclusive harvesting rights within their designated areas. Together, these two types of leases create a balanced approach that supports both habitat restoration and a sustainable commercial oyster industry.
CCA Texas and the CoL Program
CCA Texas is actively partnering with organizations across the Texas coast to advance conservation-focused CoL projects. To date, the CCA Habitat Today for Fish Tomorrow and CCA Texas Management Committee have approved $1.951 million in funding for three Conservation CoL projects as part of the Association’s $5 million Oyster Restoration Commitment.
East Galveston Bay – Funds Committed: $951,000
CCA Texas has approved $951,000 for a new 10-acre Conservation CoL in East Galveston Bay. The Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) will serve as the permit holder and project manager.
Following completion of site surveys and engineering, the GBF will submit all required permit applications to move the project into the construction phase. Final reef design and construction quantities will be based on survey results, engineering recommendations, permit requirements, and competitive construction bids.
The anticipated project schedule:
- Complete site surveys – Fall 2026
- Begin engineering and design – Winter 2026
- Complete 30% design and submit permit applications – Spring 2027
- Construct reef – Fall 2027 or Spring 2028, pending permit approvals
Ranch House Reef (Mesquite Bay) – Funds Committed: $500,000
This 10-acre Conservation CoL has received approval from TPWD Coastal Fisheries to move forward. CCA Texas is partnering with Gulf Trust, which will serve as the permit holder for the project.
With approval from the Texas Historical Commission secured, Gulf Trust and CCA Texas have completed sidescan sonar surveys and will soon begin biological resource surveys in coordination with TPWD. Once these studies are completed, the project team will begin the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) permitting process.
CCA Texas has committed $500,000 to this project, while additional funding is being pursued through other conservation and local industry partners to complete construction.
East Matagorda Bay – Funds Committed: $500,000
A 15-acre Conservation CoL located east of the Matagorda oyster farm has also been approved by TPWD Coastal Fisheries. CCA Texas is working alongside the Matagorda Bay Foundation (MBF) to advance the project.
Following approval from the Texas Historical Commission, the project team initiated side-scan sonar surveys and will soon begin biological resource surveys with TPWD guidance. After these studies are completed, the project will enter the USACE permitting process.
CCA Texas has allocated $500,000 toward this effort and continues to seek additional funding partners to support final construction.
Looking Ahead
To date, CCA Texas has committed $1.951 million toward Conservation CoL projects as part of its $5 million Oyster Restoration Commitment. These investments are made possible through the generosity and dedication of CCA Texas’s local chapters, volunteers, and supporters who tirelessly raise conservation dollars through chapter banquets across the state.
The expansion of the Certificate of Location Program marks an exciting new chapter for oyster restoration in Texas. CCA Texas is proud to partner with conservation organizations, resource agencies, and local stakeholders to restore critical oyster habitat and strengthen the health and productivity of Texas bays for generations to come.
