We have witnessed excessive loss of previously wadable reefs in Galveston Bay, Matagorda Bay, San Antonio Bay, Mesquite Bay, Carlos Bay, Aransas Bay and Copano Bay.
The value and services oyster reefs provide are undeniable. Oyster reefs…
While resilient, the oyster fishery has limitations and we must be proactive in our efforts to improve its sustainability and promote reef growth.
Photo Courtesy of John Blaha
Solutions to healthy and sustainable Texas oyster fishery include…
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Carlos Reef is an important part of the habitat along the Texas coast. This was once a continuous structure from San Jose Island to Bloodworth Island. Now it serves as weakened baffle structure. It is important to maintain this reef to preserve its integrity, which is integral to the health of our fishery and the ecosystem as a whole.
Second Chain of Islands is a little more difficult to track because it is so fragmented from the passage of time, years of harvest, and the forces of nature.
Ayers Reef is one of the last 2 remaining intact barrier reefs. It is the first to accept the force of water coming out of San Antonio Bay and Espritu Santu since the Second Chain of Islands has been so greatly diminished. It must be saved through a sanctuary program.
At one time there were three islands in the Mesquite Bay Complex. Third Chain of Islands were a mainstay in attenuating the wave action coming out of Mesquite Bay. It has become degraded and must be protected.
We need you to help rescue our oyster reefs. Here is a quick breakdown.
Cedar Reef deserves to be a sanctuary so it will not be further degraded by man or by nature. It has served us well for a long time and should continue to do so.
Please take 3 quick minutes to hear what they have to say on the CRITICAL importance of the oyster reefs, specifically in Ayres, Mesquite, and Carlos Bays, of our Texas Coast!
From Texas Parks and Wildlife: “The Proposed Amendment Would Close Reefs in Ayres, Mesquite, and Carlos Bays to Oyster Harvest.”
Hannah Kaplan – owner and operator of Barrier Beauties – discusses her oyster farm near Bolivar, the ins and outs of the permitting process, and future possibilities for her operations. Hannah and her team have braved new waters to find a way to provide a sustainable product to a desperate market.
Read the full update from CCA Texas Advocacy Director Shane Bonnot HERE.
Please take a moment to watch our new TV commercial, “CCA Texas: Committed to Restoring and Rebuilding Texas Oyster Reefs”
Oysters: They are refuge. They are food. They are habitat. Together, we can ensure a vibrant oyster fishery.
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