Fenstermaker Announces New Environmental Service – Oyster Assessments
Fenstermaker’s environmental team has introduced a new service to its already comprehensive line-up
– Oyster Assessments.
What is a Biological Oyster Assessment?
A biological oyster assessment is a scientific estimate of the amount of eastern oyster (Crassostrea
virginica) resource within a defined boundary. Louisiana currently leases out approximately 388,000
acres of water bottom to private citizens and business and holds another 1.6 million acres as Public Seed
Grounds and Reservations. Coastal Louisiana has one of the highest levels oyster production in the
country and is also home to one the richest oil and gas fields; a combination which causes complications
as both parties utilize the same piece of land in order to make living.
Fenstermaker has an OLDEB certified biologist on staff that can assist clients in navigating the complex
and difficult task of performing a biological oyster assessment and/or damage settlement negotiations.
Our in house Oyster Biologist has over 10 years of oyster biology/ecology experience in coastal
Louisiana. Each project is approached from a biological viewpoint and the report deliverable is a fair and
unbiased assessment.
Why are oyster assessment needed?
An Oyster Assessment satisfies permit conditions within a Coastal Use Permit that is set forth by the
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. It also serves as a fair negotiation tool between the oil
and gas operator and the oyster lease holder.
When are oyster assessment needed?
Any coastal activity within oyster leases and/or oyster seed grounds that will impact waterbottoms will
require an oyster assessment. These activities include but are not limited to the following:
 Proposed Well Locations
 Flowline and Pipeline installation, repair, or removal
 Structure installation (Saltwater Barge, Production Facility, etc)
 Bucket/Spray Dredging
 Propwashing
 Access routes
 Site Clearances
 Coastal Restoration Activities