State Rescinds Oyster Harvest Area Closure

Monday, October 7, 2013  |  Contact: Ken Pastorick; (225) 342-1881 or (225) 335-0235 (cell)

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals announced today the reopening of oyster harvest Areas 1-12, with exception of harvest Area 8, which are located from Lake Borgne in St. Bernard Parish to Barataria Bay in Jefferson Parish, effective a half an hour before sunrise October 8. Harvest Area 8, near the mouth of the Mississippi river, has been closed since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The decision to reopen came after Tropical Storm Karen had little or no impact on these harvest areas. Last week, DHH issued an order closing Areas 1-23 as a precautionary measure in advance of Tropical Storm Karen.  DHH reopened harvest Areas 13 -23 Sunday morning.

Today's action rescinds the closure order, allowing oystermen to resume operations in the Harvest Areas that were open prior to the storm.

DHH State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry signed the order today to reopen Areas 1-12.

Water standards for oyster harvesting are set by the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference. DHH has the authority to close these waters under LSA-R.S. 40:5, 3.

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all state citizens. To learn more about DHH, visit www.dhh.louisiana.gov. For up-to-date health information, news and emergency updates, follow DHH's Twitter account and Facebook.

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