An oystercatcher looks for lunch in an oyster bed in the Coastal Bend. Copano Bay in Rockport-Fulton has been closed to commercial oystering for now due to insufficient numbers of 3 inch and bigger oysters.
Oystering in Copano Bay closed Nov. 5, four days after the official beginning of the 2016-17 commercial oyster season. The season ends April 1, 2017. Also closed for oystering were Galveston, Matagorda, Tres Palacios and Lavaca bays.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, which monitors Gulf waters and closed the bays, made the decision based on the amount of harvestable oysters (3 inches or bigger) and the percentage of small oysters (2-2.9 inches). Closing the bay to commercial harvesting gives smaller oysters a chance to grow and replenish stocks.
The TPWD Coastal Fisheries Division took samples in September and October then consulted with the department’s Oyster Advisory Workgroup, which includes Texas commercial oyster fishermen and dealers. Monitoring oyster growth will continue, and the bays will reopen when certain criteria are met, according to the TPWD announcement.
Copano Bay was also closed to harvesting at this same time last year. The reason in 2015 was because of red tide. Closing the bay negatively impacts the economy in Rockport and Fulton, which annually throws the ultimate oyster party. The 2017 Oyster Fest is set for March 2-5.
Oystermen are urged to check the Department of State Healthy Services toll-free number at (800) 685-0361 for updated information on openings and closures. Maps showing closed areas can also be found on the DSHS website.
