OYSTER-1 - Oyster Research and Handling Requirements

This protocol establishes coordination requirements between Scientific Research Permit holders and other Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) divisions. Permit holders remain responsible for obtaining all required authorizations from appropriate agencies.

Current Version: 1.0 - Effective: November 21, 2025

Previous Versions: none

Version 1.0

Protocol Requirements

Ecosystem Biosecurity

  • Condition OYSTER-1.1
    All equipment used for collection or handling (including dredges, tongs, sorting tables, measuring devices and containers) shall be thoroughly cleaned prior to use in a different system. This includes removal of all sediments, plant materials, algae and other organisms.

Genetic Integrity Protection

  • Condition OYSTER-1.2
    Oysters not retained for research purposes shall be immediately returned to the collection site.
  • Condition OYSTER-1.3
    Oysters removed from the collection site shall not be returned to public waters unless they are subject to a valid Permit to Introduce Fish, Shellfish or Aquatic Plants into Public Waters (INTRO).
  • Condition OYSTER-1.4
    Oysters removed from collection sites shall not be donated for consumption.
  • Condition OYSTER-1.5
    Oysters shall be disposed of only as described in Section 5.2 of the permit, except that oyster shells may be donated to shell recycling programs.

Relocation and Reintroduction

  • Condition OYSTER-1.6
    If oysters are to be relocated into public waters, the permit holder shall obtain a valid Permit to Introduce Fish, Shellfish or Aquatic Plants into Public Waters (INTRO) from TPWD Coastal Fisheries Division prior to relocating any aquatic resources. This does not apply to oysters replaced immediately at the site of capture.
  • Condition OYSTER-1.7
    The permit holder shall maintain physical copies of current, valid INTRO authorizations at the project site during all relocation activities and shall not relocate any oysters without this authorization for the specific project location and activities.
  • Condition OYSTER-1.8
    TPWD Oyster Biosecurity and Genetic Integrity Protocols shall be followed, including all Oyster Transport Request Form requirements.