Redfish and Specks Benefit from Limited Weir Closings

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Originally Posted by MathGeek

There is a lot of truth here, in that the high salinities are the main problem in recovery of the oysters after the major overharvesting event on the E side in 2010.

Reducing salinity is one key issue to the future of the oyster reefs in the estuary.

But it was over harvesting rather than salinity that created the original problem back in 2010. Oyster harvesting was closed in most of the state due to the oil spill, and tremendous harvest pressure was concentrated on Big Lake.

Addressing the salinity issue will likely allow the oysters to return to historical levels.

But keeping harvests at a modest and sustainable level is also key to long term productivity of the system.

I think things are going in the right direction with the harvesting issues. Side note, LWF built a reef south of the old jetties that had never been harvested (15 acres) it basically died last year. No dredging had been done. I'm sure you have looked at the assessments the sample stations in the lake show zero oysters on them. It seems it would have to be the salinity levels stopping oysters from coming back not dredging. FYI i would like to see the oyster dredging stopped.