The state of Texas has bought back another 46 commercial oyster licenses and removed them from circulation as part of its renewed efforts to reduce harvest pressure on the state’s wild shellfish population.
The Texas government has been attempting to purchase licenses from commercial harvesters through its Commercial Oyster Boat License Buyback Program since 2018; however, the program saw limited engagement until last year, when a public-private partnership between the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF) introduced significant private funding to the initiative. With critical financial support from former private wealth advisor Laurie Morian and the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA), the government has been able to offer USD 30,000 (EUR 26,796) per license.
Last year, TPWD was able to buy and retire 112 licenses.
In its latest round of buybacks, TPWD was able to buy and retire another 46 licenses; between the two years, Texas has removed roughly 30 percent of commercial oyster licenses from circulation.
“The progress we’ve made in just two years is remarkable, and it shows what we can accomplish when we work together,” TPWF Executive Director Anne Brown said in a release. “We are deeply grateful to Laurie Morian, CCA Texas and the many generous donors who have stepped up to support this effort.”
