Oyster Firms File Federal Lawsuit Over Galveston Bay Leases

A group of oyster fishing operations have brought their battle with a Galveston Bay navigation district to federal court, alleging the government body violated their constitutional rights by issuing a 23,000-acre oyster bed lease to a single fishing firm.

"It was nothing but a corrupt power play to corner the oyster market," said Cristen D. Feldman, whose firm represents four oyster companies who own overlapping leases to the reefs, issued by the state Texas Parks and Wildlife agency.

The aggrieved companies–Hannah Reef; Shrimps R Us; Michael Ivic; owner of Misho's Oyster Co.; and Ivo Slabic, owner of Duba Seafood – say the Chambers-Liberty Counties Navigation District and five commissioners denied them equal protection and violated their rights to due process.

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