Shreveport, LA – The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will close oyster harvesting in a portion of the public oyster seed grounds in St. Bernard Parish at Drum Bay. The closure will take effect one half-hour after sunset on Sunday, December 22, 2024.
The affected area includes the public oyster seed grounds north of the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet and within the Louisiana Department of Health’s Shellfish Harvest Area 3. Specifically, it covers the region north of latitude 29°51’58” N and west of longitude 89°14’08” W.
Recent biological sampling by LDWF has revealed a localized mortality event among oysters in the affected area. Additionally, harvest surveys show concentrated harvest pressure on these reefs. To protect the remaining oyster resources and ensure their long-term sustainability, the department deemed the closure necessary.
The measure aims to allow the remaining oyster population to recover and grow for future harvesting opportunities, safeguarding the health and productivity of the public oyster seed grounds.