TPWD Coastal Fisheries to Host Oyster Buyback Application Workshops

March 23, 2026 – AUSTIN – Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has opened its application period for the Oyster Boat License Buyback Program.

The Texas Legislature authorized buybacks in 2017 and Parks and Wildlife held its first buyback for oyster licenses in 2018

TPWD administers voluntary commercial fishing license buyback programs for inshore shrimp, crab, finfish, and oyster fisheries, all of which have had a license moratorium since 2005 or earlier.

Voluntary license buyback programs reduce the number of licenses and pressure on the fishery. Funds generated from a surcharge on these commercial licenses go to purchase and retire commercial crab, finfish, bait and bay shrimp, and oyster licenses, helping to ensure sustainable and stable populations over the long term.

For the second year, TPWD will use funds privately donated to supplement the department’s funds to incentivize the buyback. This unique opportunity has enabled the department to once again offer a fixed price of $30,000 for each oyster boat license. This offer is available only during the limited application period that began on March 13 and ends on May 15.

TPWD Coastal Fisheries staff are hosting one virtual and two in-person workshops to assist license holders with the application procedure, as well as answer questions regarding the Oyster Boat License Buyback Program.

The virtual workshop will be held at 6 p.m. April 1. To register, visit https://bit.ly/OysterBuyback2026

The two in-person workshops will be held:

• 6:30 p.m. April 7 at the Texas A&M AgriLife Building at Carbide Park in La Marque, 4102 Main St. (FM 519), La Marque, 77568.
• 6:30 p.m. April 9 at the Bauer Exhibit Building, 305 Henry Barber Way, Port Lavaca, 77979.

Oyster license holders can email [email protected] or call (512) 389-8575 for more details.

For questions, please contact TPWD’s Coastal Fisheries Commercial Fishing License Buyback Program manager, Zack Thomas, via phone or email at (512) 389-8448 or [email protected].