The Louisiana Department of Health will reopen NewOrleans-area oyster growing waters, Areas 1-13, effective 30 minutes before sunrise on Friday, Oct. 13, 2017. The areas had previously been closed as a precaution due to adverse weather conditions from Tropical System Nate.
The Department conducted water and oyster meat testing in the affected areas following the passing of Tropical System Nate, and found that the environmental conditions are within the requirements specified by the National Shellfish Sanitation Program. The affected parishes include Orleans, St. Bernard, Plaquemines, Jefferson and Lafourche.
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.