Texas Oyster Sustainability: Building Healthy Reefs

Misho Ivić has worked with lawmakers and fellow oystermen to pass legislation that protects and builds Texas reefs since the 1980’s. He continues to work towards the preservation and health of the Texas Oyster Industry by serving on the Texas Oyster Advisory Committee. 

 In 1988, Misho helped pass the self imposed oyster shell tax. This meant that every oyster dealer would pay a tax on every harvested sack in order to create funds to build new reefs in Galveston Bay. 

In 2017, Misho helped pass House Bill 51. This bill guaranteed that 30 percent of all empty oyster shells would be returned to the bay to rebuild reefs. 

Sustainability begins and ends on the oyster reef. Misho’s Oyster Co. recycles every oyster shell from their processing facility and from Gilhooley’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar. Misho’s family has been building reefs by transplanting recycled oyster shells for over four generations.

In 2014, Misho’s Oyster Co. donated 200 tons of recycled oyster shells, and his boats and labor to build Landry’s Reef in Kemah, Texas. Since then, Misho’s Oyster Co. has continued to restore and build reefs for the State of Texas.