AUSTIN- The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is seeking public input on a proposed regulation change to prohibit the harvest of oysters in Carlos Bay, Mesquite Bay and Ayres Bay (Mesquite Bay complex). By closing the Mesquite Bay complex to oyster harvest, ecologically sensitive and unique oyster habitat would be protected.

The public is encouraged to provide comment on this proposed regulation change. Opportunities to provide comments for or against this closure include:

• Public hearings: TPWD Coastal Fisheries staff will be hosting several public hearings on the coast to receive input from stakeholders concerning the proposed regulation change.
  • Thursday, March 3  from 6:00 — 8:00 p.m. at the Wortham Auditorium (First Floor) in the Rosenberg Library, 2310 Sealy Ave, Galveston, TX 77550
  • Thursday, March 3  from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Rockport Beach Park in the Saltwater Pavilion, 210 Seabreeze Rockport, TX 78382
  • Thursday March 3  from 6: 00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Bauer Exhibit Building at 305 Henry Barber Way, Port Lavaca, TX 77979 

• Official public comments can be provided on the TPWD public comment page until 5 p.m. on March 23.
• Phone or Email: The Coastal Fisheries Division at 512-389-8575 or cfish@tpwd.texas.gov
• Zoom Webinar: TPWD Coastal Fisheries staff will present the proposed change and answer questions related to the proposal in an online webinar on Tuesday, March 1 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. The webinar will also be posted on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s YouTube channel and Coastal Fisheries Facebook page.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission is scheduled to consider this rule during the March 2022 Commission Meeting.