Oyster-fishing businesses have brought their battle with a Galveston Bay navigation district to federal court, alleging that the governmental body violated their constitutional rights by issuing a 23,000-acre oyster-bed lease to a single fishing company.
In the firms 12th story conference room, Houston Attorney Cris Feldman focuses on the rest of the battle after a major victory in the historic legal battle over oyster rights in Galveston Bay. Feldman used state records over several decades old to prove fishing rights belong to all Texans.
A rancorous two-year feud over control of the oyster business in Galveston Bay began on a summer day in 2014 when Michael “Misho” Ivic, owner of Misho’s Oyster Co. in San Leon, paid a visit to an old friend and fellow oyster dealer.
A rancorous two-year feud over control of the oyster business in Galveston Bay began on a summer day in 2014 when Michael “Misho” Ivic, owner of Misho’s Oyster Co. in San Leon, paid a visit to an old friend and fellow oyster dealer.
Galveston Bay has been a hub for shrimpers, fishermen and oyster harvesters for decades. The area accounts for an estimated income of $1 billion per year, which is one-third of the state’s commercial fishing revenue.
