A revamped voluntary buyback program by Texas Parks & Wildlife is showing promising results in its efforts to protect the state’s struggling oyster reefs. In the latest round, the department acquired 112 out of 115 commercial oyster licenses, marking a 21% reduction in the total number of licenses and a significant improvement compared to previous rounds.
Previously, the program operated on a reverse-bid model, where harvesters set their selling price. This year, a standard offer of $30,000 per boat facilitated more buybacks. Despite not reaching the target of 150 licenses, officials are pleased with the progress.
Texas’ oyster habitats have suffered due to hurricanes, droughts, and overfishing. The commercial fishery is overburdened, with more boats than the reefs can sustain. Funding from a public-private partnership fuels the program, yet the long-term restoration of the reefs remains uncertain amid environmental challenges.