Oyster reefs are one of the most important environmental and economic resources within the coastal regions of the United States. Although oyster reefs in deeper water have been mapped, the extent and condition of intertidal reefs has not been sufficiently inventoried in most states. Understanding the geographic extent and condition of intertidal oyster reef and shell bottoms is important for assessing parental stock and to determine potential recruitment bottlenecks for oysters within an estuary. These intertidal areas have traditionally served as a sanctuary from commercial harvest pressure due to closures, safety, and operational barriers preventing the harvesting of oysters in shallow water. The location and extent of intertidal oyster resources is extremely limited for most of the coast of Louisiana and Texas; their contribution to overall oyster population dynamics is considerable, but poorly understood. Adequate reef mapping will inform ongoing biological planning and restoration efforts.
