This Tide-to-Table Profile features David Aparicio, an oyster farmer demonstrating resilience in Palacios, Texas.
Hurricane Beryl devastated parts of Texas’ coast, including DJ’s Oyster Company in Matagorda Bay, owned by David Aparicio. His newly established oyster farm was destroyed, resulting in the loss of 100 oyster cages, although his larger, established plot remained intact. Despite the challenges posed by increasingly intense storms, Aparicio remains committed to oyster farming—a sector only recently legalized in Texas (2019). The industry supports the environment and local communities by filtering water and providing year-round jobs.
Aparicio comes from a family of Gulf shrimpers but pivoted to oyster farming after the pandemic impacted the shrimp industry. Encouraged by his father to try something new, he partnered with Texas Sea Grant and Palacios Marine Agriculture Research, learning the ropes and becoming the third licensed oyster farmer in Texas by 2022.
DJ’s Oysters, known for producing the distinctive “Matagorda Pearls”—small, flavorful oysters perfect for eating raw—has gained a reputation across major Texas and Gulf cities. Aparicio, who prioritizes sustainable growth, is passionate about educating the public on the dedication and challenges behind oyster farming. He celebrates the unique qualities of each farmed oyster and hopes for growing consumer appreciation for locally and sustainably produced shellfish.