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Molluscan Shellfish Program
The Molluscan Shellfish Program is the regulatory agency for the oyster harvesting waters along Louisiana Gulf Coast. The harvesting areas are set forth by the Louisiana Sanitary Code and the National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP). The NSSP is the federal/state cooperative program recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) and the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference (ISSC) for the sanitary control of shellfish produced and sold for human consumption. All oyster-related facilities must follow Louisiana Administrative Code Title 51 Part IX and NSSP guidelines.
Highlighted Facts
- Louisiana has approximately eight million acres of classified shellfish growing areas. Of the eight million acres, 1.2 million acres are classified as prohibited.
- Shellfish growing areas are reclassified four times each year. These reclassification periods are November through February, March through April, May through August, and September through October.
- Two shellfish growing areas are conditionally managed based on the river stage of the Calcasieu River. These two areas are the West Cove Conditionally Managed Area and the Lower Calcasieu Lake Conditionally Managed Area.
- Louisiana is the top producer of oysters in the nation.
- Each and every day, 1.3 million Louisiana-produced oysters are consumed somewhere in the US.
Seafood Sampling in Response to LOOP Event (February 26, 2026)
LDH is working in partnership with LDWF to collect and test samples of oysters, shrimp, finfish, and crabs from areas affected by the Louisiana Offshore Oil Platform oil leak that occurred when a transfer hose ruptured at its Gulf facility. The first batch of sample results is available below. Testing is for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (indicators of petroleum contamination). Oyster samples were collected starting March 23 and other species starting March 19.
This table will be updated as new data are obtained from the testing laboratory.
| Date of Collection | Type | Latitude | Longitude | Result (summary) |
| March 19 | white shrimp | 29.2280°N | -91.2872°W | non-detection |
| March 19 | brown-white shrimp | 29.1350°N | -91.0883°W | non-detection |
| March 19 | brown-white shrimp | 29.1730°N | -91.0503°W | non-detection |
| March 19 | brown-white shrimp | 29.1666°N | -90.9583°W | non-detection |
| March 19 | brown-white shrimp | 29.1756°N | -91.2303°W | non-detection |
| March 19 | white shrimp | 29.2083°N | -91.1333°W | non-detection |
| March 19 | blue crab | 29.1350°N | -91.0883°W | non-detection |
| March 19 | blue crab | 29.1756°N | -91.2303°W | non-detection |
| March 19 | blue crab | 29.2280°N | -91.2872°W | non-detection |
| March 23 | oyster | 29.26495°N | -90.66418°W | non-detection |
| March 24 | oyster | 29.26583°N | -91.02887°W | non-detection |
LDH has primary responsibility in the state of Louisiana for the oyster harvest, per the National Shellfish Sanitation Program. When oil sheen was reported by several harvesters two weeks ago, the agency took emergency action to protect human health by ordering a precautionary closure of certain harvest areas south of Terrebonne Parish. The agency does not have regulatory authority over the harvest of shrimp, finfish or crabs, either inland or offshore, so it acted only within the purview of its designated authority.
LDH will continue to assess sample results as they are received from the testing laboratory and will make decisions regarding re-opening of harvest areas on the basis of the best available data. LDH is continuing to monitor--along with our sister agencies--and will address potential closures as further data warrants.
LDH only regulates the oyster harvest areas. Any sightings of an oil sheen should be reported to the Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinators Office (LOSCO) hotline at 225-200-1921 or emailed to [email protected]. Further guidance on oil observations may be found at https://denr.louisiana.gov/page/louisiana-oil-spill-coordinator-s-office.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Effective official sunset on March 14, 2026, Molluscan Shellfish Areas 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 21 are CLOSED to oyster harvesting. This is a precautionary closure based on the reporting of oil sheen in these areas from the recent LOOP oil spill. LDH will monitor the unfolding situation and utilize testing to determine a re-opening date.
The March-April 2026 Reclassificaton Line is now posted.
Resources
- Permit to Relay Oysters
- Oyster Harvesting Brochure
- Out on the Water - Information regarding Vibrio vulnificus
- Louisiana Shellstock Refrigeration Rule - June 2014
- Refrigeration Requirements
- Alternative Oyster Culture (AOC) Tumbling Log
- Desiccation Log
Related Links
- Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
- Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board
Contact
For more info, contact the Molluscan Shellfish Central Office at (225) 342-7653.
Jennifer Armentor
Molluscan Shellfish Program Administrator
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (225) 342-7539
Christopher Lemaire
Molluscan Shellfish Program Manager
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (225) 342-7540