Today, the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) announced the closure of oyster harvest areas 1, 2 and a portion of area 3. This is a precautionary closure due to low salinity levels negatively affecting oyster health.  These particular areas occur in Lake Borgne, Mississippi Sound, and portions of the marsh bays and bayous of St. Bernard Parish.

These harvest areas will be reopened as soon as it is determined that environmental conditions are within requirements specified by the National Shellfish Sanitation Program.

A full copy of the LDH closure order can be found here . A map of the areas that have been closed can be found here .

Historic high river levels have come with an unprecedented influx of freshwater into our coastal areas. LDWF is conducting enhanced statewide biological sampling which indicate a notable reduction in the availability of crabs, shrimp, oysters, and finfish.  Preliminary sampling results as of June 28, 2019, are available here.

The LDH news release can be found at: http://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/5189

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us atwww.wlf.la.gov. To receive email alerts, signup at http://www.wlf.la.gov/signup.