The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department closed recreational and commercial oyster harvesting in Matagorda Bay at TX-19 and TX-20 last week due to a decrease in legal sized oysters found in the area. However, one expert warns against blaming over-harvesting too quickly. Matagorda Bay Ecosystem Leader Leslie Hartman explains that oysters are facing multiple challenges, including drought, floods, and disease, which cause stress and lead to death. Dermo disease, caused by a parasite, is a factor in the oysters’ struggle during warmer weather and increased salinity.