SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 36
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
join Texans across the state in celebrating January 24, 2017, as
Oyster Day; and
WHEREAS, Oysters are among the wide variety of mollusks
found in the estuarine waters of the Texas Gulf Coast; they
typically grow as consolidated reefs that provide habitat for
more than 300 marine aquatic species; and
WHEREAS, Oysters function as the lungs of our coastal
systems and play an important role in maintaining good water
quality in the state's bays and estuaries; each oyster is a small
filtering system and is able to pump 50 gallons of water through
its body every day to remove bacteria, sediments, and even toxins
from oil spills; oyster reefs stabilize ocean shorelines and make
them less susceptible to damage from hurricanes and strong
storms; and
WHEREAS, A valuable source of food, oysters provide high
levels of omega-3 fatty acids and zinc; they support a robust
commercial fishing industry in Matagorda, Galveston, and San
Antonio Bays; the Texas oyster industry has a $50 million impact
on the state's economy and provides roughly 15 percent of the
nation's total harvest; and
WHEREAS, Oysters serve as one of Texas' prized natural
resources, and it is fitting that a day be set aside to recognize
the essential ecological and economic roles oysters play in our
state; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
Legislature, hereby proclaim January 24, 2017, as Oyster Day; and,
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor
of this special occasion.
Taylor of Galveston
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on January 24, 2017.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate