As Texas grapples with how to grow its stock of oysters, which has been besieged by both disaster and demand, some say regulations proposed by State Rep. Dennis Bonnen go too far.
Bonnen, R-Angleton, amended House Bill 51 to increase penalties for those who harvest and purchase oysters less than 3 inches long. The penalties would not only apply to the captain but to the crew and whoever buys his oysters.
Bonnen also amended HB 51 to require buyers to give back shell to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department every year or pay a fee. The shell would be used to rebuild oyster reefs.
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