Recent heavy rains and flooding has taken a toll on oysters in Galveston Bay, as salinity levels have dropped to an unprecedented low. On Saturday, Galveston County Judge Mark Henry took the first step to helping oyster business owners get financial assistance by declaring a local disaster. A large portion of the state’s $30 million oyster industry resides in Galveston Bay, which has suffered multiple disasters in recent years.
“These oyster farmers endured Hurricane Ike, algae, red tide, drought and now an influx of freshwater from flooding,” Judge Henry said. “My hope is that by making a declaration here, our state and federal partners can see that we’re behind our small business owners during this difficult time.”
Galveston County’s oyster farmers will still need a disaster declaration from the state in order to receive financial assistance.
[6-14-2016]
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