Texas governor appoints members to Commercial Oyster Mariculture Advisory Board

Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott has appointed six individuals to the Commercial Oyster Mariculture Advisory Board, a group responsible for regulating the commercial oyster mariculture industry in Texas. The newly appointed members will serve staggered terms, providing diverse expertise to support the growth and sustainability of the industry.
Experienced Appointees to Lead the Board
The appointed members bring varied backgrounds in business, science, and conservation, contributing valuable knowledge to the Board’s mission. The appointees and their respective term expiration dates are:
- B. Keith Miears (Rockport) – Term ending February 1, 2025
- Eric Davis (Mont Belvieu) – Term ending February 1, 2026
- Larry McKinney, Ph.D. (Corpus Christi) – Term ending February 1, 2029
- Shane Bonnot (Lake Jackson) – Term ending February 1, 2027
- Lauren Dunlap (Austin) – Term ending February 1, 2027
- Bradley “Brad” Lomax (Corpus Christi) – Term ending February 1, 2028
Profiles of the Appointees
B. Keith Miears of Rockport, a retired professional, serves as president of the Texas Oyster Mariculture Association. He is also actively involved with FlatsWorthy and holds a degree from DeVry University.
Eric Davis is the general manager at Pappas Restaurants, Inc., based in Mont Belvieu. In addition to his business role, he volunteers at Faith Family Church–Baytown and holds a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the University of Houston.
Larry McKinney, Ph.D. is the director of research at Palacios Marine Agriculture Research. He actively participates in various conservation organizations, including the Texas Aquaculture Association, Texas Audubon Board, and Palacios Agriculture Research Board. He earned his Bachelor’s and Ph.D. degrees from Texas A&M University.
Shane Bonnot, based in Lake Jackson, serves as the advocacy director for the Coastal Conservation Association. His additional roles include membership in the American Fisheries Society and the Back Country Hunters and Anglers. Bonnot holds a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from TAMU and a Master of Science in Mariculture from TAMU Corpus Christi.
Lauren Dunlap, the owner of Copano Oyster Company, LLC, brings business and community engagement experience. She is affiliated with the Texas Aquaculture Association, Refugio County Community Development Foundation, and the Texas Bayside Historical Society. Dunlap holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Sam Houston State University.
Bradley “Brad” Lomax serves as president of The Oyster Company, LLC, and holds leadership roles, including chairmanship of the Texas Surf Conservancy. Lomax, a member of the Texas Oyster Mariculture Task Force, received his Bachelor of Business Administration from St. Mary’s University.
Supporting the Growth of Oyster Mariculture
The Commercial Oyster Mariculture Advisory Board plays a critical role in promoting sustainable practices and managing the commercial oyster industry in Texas. Governor Abbott’s selection of members reflects a commitment to leveraging expertise in aquaculture, conservation, business, and research.
Through this advisory board, Texas aims to maintain environmental stewardship while fostering economic growth in oyster mariculture, ensuring that the industry remains sustainable and beneficial for local communities.