The Louisiana Department of Health will reopen all molluscan shellfish growing waters, Areas 1-28, effective 30 minutes before sunrise on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017. The areas had previously been closed as a precaution due to adverse weather conditions from Tropical Storm Harvey.
Tropical Storm Harvey brought the threat of large amounts of rain to oyster harvesting areas, which can introduce runoff and bacteria into the water. With the northward movement of the storm resulting in decreased rainfall, conditions are considered safe to reopen the areas.
LDH has notified local oyster harvesters who work in the affected area, as well as the Louisiana Oyster Task Force and the FDA.
Click here to view the reopening order, signed by State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry and LDH Secretary Dr. Rebekah Gee. More information about LDH’s Molluscan Shellfish Program can be found here.
The Louisiana Department of Health strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all state residents. To learn more about LDH, visit www.ldh.la.gov. For up-to-date health information, news and emergency updates, follow LDH's Twitter account, Facebook and blog.