TPWD proposes lower cultivated‑oyster fees and broader triploid parentage; industry-backed changes to appear on formal agenda

Dr. Lindsey Glass Campbell of TPWD’s Coastal Fisheries division presented two proposed amendments to the department’s Cultivated Oyster Mariculture (CALM) program on May 21: (1) a reduction in annual permit fees for grow‑out and nursery/hatchery sites, and (2) a change to allow triploid oysters produced from broodstock originating in the Northern Gulf region (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama) rather than limiting broodstock to Texas-origin stock only.

Campbell said the fee reduction proposals respond to stakeholder input intended to lower financial barriers for small businesses and bring TPWD fees more in line with other states. Under the proposed fee schedule, grow‑out sites in public water would pay $150 per acre per year (down from $450 per acre) and private‑land portions would be $57 per acre per year (down from $170 per acre). For nursery/hatchery sites the proposal sets a minimum annual charge (either a flat $150 or the combined public/private calculation, whichever is greater) to ensure inspection costs are covered for very small sites.

On triploid parentage for so‑called triploid oysters (valued for fast growth and year‑round meat quality), Campbell said genetic studies of oyster stock structure and continued biosecurity protocols support allowing broodstock from the Northern Gulf region (which extends from San Antonio Bay through Mobile Bay) to be used for triploid production that will be deployed in Texas waters. She said this change would increase the availability of seed for Texas farmers, because more Gulf hatcheries could sell seed to Texas growers.

Campbell reported public input: for the fee item, 17 comments were submitted (14 in favor, 3 opposed — two opposed to any fee decrease and one opposed to any fee for private‑land sites); for the triploid parentage item, 16 comments were submitted (14 in favor, 2 opposed, with no reasons provided in the record). The Oyster Advisory Committee and the Texas Conservation Alliance supported the triploid change, she said.

Commissioners discussed regulatory consolidation for mariculture approvals and field visits to coastal research facilities. Chairman Hildebrand and other commissioners signaled support for further regulatory streamlining but noted some approvals involve the Texas General Land Office and may require separate legislative action.

Staff requested the proposals be placed on the Thursday commission agenda for formal public comment and action.