The Louisiana Department of Health has reopened all molluscan shellfish growing waters, Areas 1-28. 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.