The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will close oyster harvest in a portion of the public oyster seed grounds east of the Mississippi River, north of the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet, and within the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) Shellfish Harvest Areas 2 & 3, one half-hour after sunset on Sunday, December 3, 2023.
- 3-Mile Pass (2013) – St. Bernard Parish
- Shell Point (2009)- St Bernard Parish
The recommended threshold in this portion of the public seed grounds east of the Mississippi River has been met. The closure is necessary to protect undersized oysters, allowing growth for future harvest opportunities. Continued harvest might threaten the long-term sustainability of remaining oyster resources in this area. Protection of the remaining oyster resources is in the long-term best interest of the oyster populations in this public oyster seed ground.
To view a map of the current oyster closure areas see above or visit: https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/assets/Fishing/Commercial_Fishing/Images/Oyster/Dec-3-oyster-closure.jpg
The Commission authorized Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Robert Shadoin to take emergency action to close areas, on an as-needed basis, based on biological data or if enforcement problems are encountered. The Secretary was also authorized to take emergency action to reopen areas previously closed if the threat to the resource has ended and to open areas if substantial oyster resources are located.
Public notice of any opening, delay, or closure of a season will be provided at least 72 hours prior to such action unless the Louisiana Department of Health orders such closure for public health concerns.
For more information, contact Robert Caballero at (504) 286-4054 or [email protected].
