Alabama reopens portions of Mobile Bay to oyster harvesting

Alabama’s State Health Officer reopened portions of Mobile Bay to oyster harvesting at 11 a.m. on October 16, lifting a temporary closure that began October 8. The reopening notice names Bon Secour Bay, Cedar Point, Heron Bay, Portersville Bay and Grand Bay.

The October 8 closure covered areas I through VI in Baldwin and Mobile counties and took effect at 10 a.m. The Alabama Department of Public Health cited possible bacteriological contamination associated with rainfall from Hurricane Isaias. The closure notice listed Navy Cove and Dauphin Island Bay, which are not on the reopening notice’s list.

The order lifts the health department’s restriction for the portions identified, but does not establish that any particular public oyster reef or harvest grid is open. The Marine Resources Division announces reef and grid openings separately based on conditions. Harvesters should check its current notices before harvesting; the health department says it will continue monitoring bay waters and shellfish.