BRAZORIA COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- Multiple charges have been filed after nine large ice chests and buckets of illegally harvested oysters were recovered in Brazoria County, Texas Game Wardens announced on Monday.
In a post on social media, the Texas Game Wardens said that they saw six people harvesting oysters and transporting them through the marsh to a vehicle on May 30. Wardens said they suspected oyster violations and began an investigation into the harvest.
Authorities said the investigation resulted in multiple charges being filed for harvesting oysters during a closed season, harvesting oysters from a Texas Parks & Wildlife Department closed area, possession of undersized oysters, and fishing without a valid license.
Texas Game Wardens said that oyster harvest closures are used for conservation and public health reasons. They went on to say that these measures help protect oyster populations, allow reefs time to recover, and reduce the risk associated with harvesting shellfish from waters that may have higher levels of bacteria, including Vibrio.
Texas Game Wardens said they were able to return a significant amount of the harvested oysters to Christmas Bay.