Classification Information
Molluscan shellfish are defined as oysters, clams, and mussels. All shellfish in Texas waters must be harvested from approved or conditionally approved areas as designated on the maps below.
The status of shellfish harvest areas in Texas estuaries is subject to change by the Texas Department of State Health Services at any time. These changes may be due to high rainfall and runoff, flooding, hurricanes and other extreme weather conditions, major spills, harmful algal blooms, or the failure or inefficient operation of wastewater treatment facilities.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department may also take actions to close shellfish harvest area(s) due to shellfish resource concerns or enforcement issues. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is responsible for commercial (including private oyster lease) and recreational oyster regulations (e.g., seasons and length and possession limits).
Because the status of shellfish harvest areas may change daily, it is important that commercial and recreational shellfish harvesters verify the status of the shellfish harvest areas before harvesting shellfish. The status of shellfish harvest areas can be obtained from the shellfish status page, the Seafood and Aquatic Life Group at (512) 834-6757 or by calling a 24-hour, in state only, toll-free phone number (800) 685-0361.
Shellfish Classification of Harvesting Areas Maps
- Copano, Aransas, Mesquite and Redfish Bays (PDF, 578KB)
- Corpus Christi and Nueces Bays (PDF, 611KB)
- East Matagorda Bay (PDF, 366KB)
- Freeport Area (PDF, 535KB)
- Galveston Bay (PDF, 810KB)
- Lavaca Bay (PDF, 618KB)
- Lower Laguna Madre (PDF, 432KB)
- Matagorda, Tres Palacios, and Carancahua Bays (PDF, 669KB)
- Sabine Lake (PDF, 573KB)
- San Antonio, Espiritu Santo Bays (PDF, 576KB)
- South Bay (PDF, 506KB)
- West Galveston Bay (PDF, 547KB)
If you cannot download these files, DSHS will provide a hard copy of the shellfish harvest area(s) you are interested in.
Please email Seafood and Aquatic Life Program or call (512) 834-6757.