“Galveston and Chambers counties are facing an unprecedented crisis that threatens the livelihoods of many families and businesses,” Rep. Terri Leo Wilson posted on her Facebook page.Both counties have been severely impacted by devastating blows to their oyster harvesters.“Oysters need a combination of freshwater and saltwater to grow and thrive; that’s what we have in Galveston Bay,” said Rez Halili, vice president of Prestige Oyster Inc.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, “oysters filter and clean their surrounding water, filtering out pollutants. Additionally, oyster reefs can serve as a barrier to storms and tides.” The industry was just beginning to recover since Hurricane Ike wiped out as many as 80% of oysters in East Galveston Bay, according to estimates from the Texas Park and Wildlife. Halili estimates his company has lost over 13 million adult oysters in the past month and a half, which equates to about $5 million.
Galveston County officials are hoping state and federal authorities will aid oyster harvesters. Galveston County Judge Mark Henry issued a disaster declaration on June 5, valuing economic losses at just over $15 million for Galveston Bay harvesters. In his disaster declaration, Henry noted state health regulators had closed Galveston Bay to harvesting on May 8.