Molluscan Shellfish - Oyster Relay

The Louisiana Department of Health is committed to ensuring that all food is safe from any adulterations, contaminants, hazardous chemicals, and harmful bacteria. Molluscan Shellfish is one of those foods that is no exception to this commitment.

The state of Louisiana has laws in place for the safety of oyster harvest in all growing areas. These laws include assurances that oysters are taken from approved areas and not from locations that are potentially contaminated. Some laws allow oyster harvesters an opportunity to move their oysters from closed areas to open areas based on oyster studies and purging processes. The process is called Oyster Relaying and requires a permit from the Office of Public Health.

Below are the documents and rules requiring an application to perform an Oyster Relay. Please download the documents, complete the forms, and email them to [email protected] or [email protected]  

• Oyster Relay Permit Instructions
• Applicant and Surveillance Officer Acknowledgement
• Oyster-Relay Rules
• Application for Permit to Relay Shellfish
• Surveillance Officer's Daily Trip Report