Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Fishing And Oyster Leases topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee adopts anchoring rules for Oyster Bayou, clears bill as amended
Summary
Senate Bill 480 was reported as amended to allow boats to anchor in Oyster Bayou outside oyster-lease boundaries if a person remains on board; sponsor said the change balances recreational access and lease protection.
The Senate Committee on Natural Resources on May 14 adopted an amendment to Senate Bill 480 to allow vessels to anchor in Oyster Bayou so long as they do not anchor within oyster leases and a person remains on board.
Sponsor testimony explained Oyster Bayou is a narrow stretch with oyster leases that previously limited small-vessel anchoring; the adopted amendment (Set 3848) was drafted to preserve oyster leases, avoid navigational obstruction, and allow smaller recreational vessels to anchor nearer to shore provided someone stays on board.
With the amendment adopted by voice vote and no objection recorded, the committee reported SB 480 as amended and adjourned the hearing.
Next steps: SB 480 will proceed for additional legislative consideration.
