Oyster Farming and a Path for Sustainable, Modern Aquaculture

Q&A with Raz Halili, Vice President, Prestige Oysters

We are proud to invest in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Over the years, we have invested millions of dollars to protect the Gulf waters that provide so much for our communities here in Texas. Throughout the year, we recycle oyster shells into our bays, and during the early summer months, we set out tons of rock and cultch material when oysters spawn to help create new reefs. Over the past four years, we have set over 20,000 tons of rock in the Gulf. Projects such as these help improve water quality and create new habitats for fish, crabs, and other ocean organisms. We will continue our commitment to investing in the future of our waters because it is not only important to our livelihoods and economy but to the future of our planet. 

Raz Halili is the Vice President of his family-run business, Prestige Oysters, in Texas, the largest producer of half-shells in the United States. Stronger America Through Seafood (SATS) interviewed Raz to learn more about his business and why he supports the growth of the domestic aquaculture industry.

What are some of the opportunities that offshore aquaculture would provide American communities in coastal areas?

Aquaculture is an emerging market for seafood in America and the growth of offshore fish farming would provide many benefits for coastal communities. For example, here in Texas, aquaculture would provide new economic opportunities for seafood communities along the Gulf. New businesses would be established, which would create new revenue and jobs. Also, fishermen, whose jobs are often seasonal, would be provided with an option for supplemental employment. There are also benefits for other industries too. As aquaculture grows, there will be benefits for complementary industries as well, such as agriculture and manufacturing.

How would the growth of the emerging aquaculture industry complement the wild caught sector and create new opportunities within fishing communities?

At Prestige, our business is not considered aquaculture since our oysters are wild caught, but we are big advocates of aquaculture because we see the benefits that it can provide. That is why we support federal action on aquaculture. We understand that aquaculture, in complement with wild harvesting, is the future of a sustainable American seafood industry. Aquaculture would help to modernize and grow the seafood community and ensure it remains a thriving industry. Farmed fish can help supplement and grow our seafood supply as our population grows and demand for sustainable protein options grows while ensuring the resiliency of our food systems.

With demand for healthy and sustainable protein on the rise, what role would increased domestic aquaculture play in helping to meet growing demand?

Increased aquaculture production can help meet the growing demand for protein for American families sustainably. Offshore aquaculture is one of the most resource-efficient methods for protein production and should be used as a tool to help increase our supply of seafood responsibly. There are many environmental benefits to producing fish in open waters, including the limited use of resources and protecting wild fish stocks.

Can you tell us about Prestige Oyster’s sustainability efforts and investment in the waters off the Gulf of Mexico?

We are proud to invest in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Over the years, we have invested millions of dollars to protect the Gulf waters that provide so much for our communities here in Texas. Throughout the year, we recycle oyster shells into our bays, and during the early summer months, we set out tons of rock and cultch material when oysters spawn to help create new reefs. Over the past four years, we have set over 20,000 tons of rock in the Gulf. Projects such as these help improve water quality and create new habitats for fish, crabs, and other ocean organisms. We will continue our commitment to investing in the future of our waters because it is not only important to our livelihoods and economy but to the future of our planet.