Sec. 76.115.  CLOSING AREAS.  (a)  The commission may close an area to the taking of oysters when the commission finds that the area is being overworked or damaged or the area is to be reseeded or restocked.
(b)  The commission may open closed areas when appropriate.
(c)  Before closing any area, the commission shall publish notice in a daily newspaper of general circulation in the area to be closed.  The notice shall be published at least three days before the effective date of the closing.
(d)  Areas closed under this section must reopen by the beginning of the next public oyster season unless sound biological data indicates that the need for closure still exists.
(e)  The commission by rule may establish procedures and criteria for closing areas under Subsection (a).
(f)  The commission may delegate to the executive director the duties and responsibilities under this section.
Acts 1975, 64th Leg., p. 1405, ch. 545, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1975.  Amended by Acts 1975, 64th Leg., p. 1220, ch. 456, Sec. 18, eff. Sept. 1, 1975.
Amended by: 
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1331 (S.B. 932), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2011.