In addition to the proposed regulations governing the culture of the native shellfish, new, stricter rules approved last month by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission now give state fisheries biologists greater authority in the regulation of fish farm facilities culturing exotic shellfish in Texas. We worked closely with the aquaculture industry and others in this process, and are open to continuing that dialogue with an eye to further refining a workable set of regulations. But, we remain firmly committed to protecting Texas natural resources. There are currently eight shrimp farms in production on the Texas coast, with two more proposed. These shrimp farms are some of the largest in the country, with some five times more production acres than the second ranked state, South Carolina.
Shrimp farmers prefer exotic species to natives because they do better in mariculture settings.
Disease outbreaks are a primary concern for farm operators because they have the potential to wipe out an entire crop of shrimp. Exotic shrimp species bring exotic diseases with them. Because of their location in coastal areas and the potential for disease transmission by birds, escapement of exotic shrimp from shrimp farms, and other vectors there is concern that these diseases might affect native species. Following the scheduled public hearings, TPW staff will meet informally with industry representatives and other interested parties to accept input on the practical implementation of the new rules. Search Please send comments, suggestions or questions to or click on the address to send an e-mail.