CCA Texas 89th Texas Legislature Update and CCA Texas ICC Winners

Texas Legislature Wraps Up with Big Wins for Coastal Conservation and Mariculture

As the 89th Texas Legislature concludes, several key bills have advanced that will significantly impact coastal conservation, oyster mariculture, and community-driven restoration. These legislative actions underscore Texas’s commitment to finding common ground between environmental stewardship, sustainable aquaculture, and local economic development. Below is a snapshot of the major bills we’ve been monitoring or actively supporting:

Oyster Mariculture & Coastal Stewardship House Bill 609 (Rep. Cody Vasut)

This bill simplifies operations for oyster farmers by allowing them to clean cultivation equipment (wash cages) on-site using untreated local water, without requiring additional permits. It’s a practical move that reduces red tape while maintaining critical environmental protections. Bill passed, sent to the Governor.

Senate Bill 1215 (Sen. Lois Kolkhorst)

Aimed at preserving wild oyster stocks, this legislation regulates the introduction of cultivated oysters into natural or private beds, allowing for direct seeding of reefs and planting of “spat-on-shell” or remotely set oyster spat. It seeks to ensure the sustainability of Texas’s coastal ecosystems. Bill signed, effective 9/1/25.

Senate Bill 2112 (Sen. Lois Kolkhorst)

To safeguard the integrity of oyster mariculture, SB 2112 increases penalties for criminal offenses tied to oyster farming. The intent is to deter unlawful practices and reinforce responsible aquaculture. Bill signed, effective 9/1/25.

Conservation Funding & Community Engagement Senate Bill 1930 (Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa)

This bill ensures that revenue from saltwater fishing stamp sales is directed exclusively toward saltwater conservation projects, including hatchery improvements, habitat restoration, and shoreline access for anglers. Bill signed, effective 9/1/25.

Incentives for Sustainable Practices House Bill 3486 (Rep. Todd Hunter)

Restaurants that buy and serve Texas farm-raised oysters would receive a $5 sales tax deduction per 100 oysters, encouraging support for local aquaculture. Bill passed, sent to the Governor.

House Bill 3487 (Rep. Todd Hunter)

In a complementary move, this bill offers restaurants a $2 tax break for every 50 pounds of oyster shells they recycle, helping promote shell recycling and reef restoration efforts. Bill passed, sent to the Governor.

Looking Ahead

The end of the 89th Legislative Session was marked by a few meaningful steps forward for Texas’s coastal resilience and sustainability. While some initiatives moved swiftly through the process, others highlight the continued need for advocacy and collaboration. Together, these bills reflect growing recognition of the vital role our coasts play—not just in the health of our ecosystems, but in the strength of our communities and economy. We’ll continue to work with lawmakers, industry partners, and local stakeholders to ensure that the momentum built this session translates into lasting progress on the ground and in the water.

2025 CCA Texas Inter Chapter Challenge Fishing Tournament

CCA Texas hosted its annual Inter Chapter Challenge the weekend of June 13–14 in Rockport/Fulton. More than 320 local chapter board members attended representing 28 chapters from across the state.

Friday night’s Captains Meeting, held at the Fulton Convention Center, featured a delicious showcase of Texas farm-raised oysters from the Coastal Bend, including offerings from Big Tree Oyster Company, Blackjack Point Oyster Company, and Texas Clearwater Oyster Gardens. Saltwater Grill of Corpus Christi provided an outstanding meal, as always. The evening included plenty of door prizes and was full of fun and camaraderie.

The fishing tournament took place on Saturday. Following the 2021 freeze, CCA Texas transitioned the event to a Catch-Photo-Release format to promote conservation. The tournament bag includes four redfish and one flounder per team. Anglers submitted their catches through the Fishing Chaos tournament App, where each submission was judged and verified by a third-party official. The system ranks catches based on length and submission time for each species, determining the winning team accordingly.

Anglers gathered at Poor Man’s Country Club for the awards ceremony. Longtime CCA Texas supporters, Poor Man’s Country Club provided a fajita dinner buffet for attendees after a long day of fishing. The 2025 CCA Texas ICC Champion is the hometown Aransas Bay Chapter, with a total stringer length of 125.25 inches. Close behind, the Corpus Christi Chapter—the 2024 champions—earned second place with 125.0 inches. Austin Chapter claimed third place with a total of 124.25 inches.

In individual categories:

• Kaben Lunbeck won Largest Flounder with a 21.25” fish.
• Grant Bible took home the Longest Hardhead award with a 19.75” catch.
• Quinn Koehler won the Redfish Spot Pot with a redfish displaying 12 spots on one side.

CCA Texas is deeply grateful for the dedication of every chapter and the volunteers who drive their success. The strength of CCA Texas has always come from these grassroots efforts, and the Inter Chapter Challenge is a chance to bring everyone together for a weekend of fun, food, fishing, and fellowship.

On behalf of CCA Texas—THANK YOU to each and every one of you.