Florida provides for increased Apalachicola Bay oyster production
News Release
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Media contact: Lee Schlesinger (FWC), 850-487-0554; David Heil (FDACS), 850-488-5471; Terence McElroy (FDACS), 850-488-3022
Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services
Commissioner Charles H. Bronson and Chairman Rodney Barreto of the
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) today
announced that both the winter and summer oyster harvesting areas
in the Apalachicola Bay System will be opened for harvest seven
days per week through Aug. 31.
Before this action was taken, the summer oyster
areas were closed for harvest on Fridays in June, July and August,
and the winter oyster areas were closed altogether for harvest
during those months. This action marks the first time the two
agencies, which jointly manage oyster resources in Florida, have
permitted seven day per week harvest during the summer months and
opened the winter oyster areas during the summer months.
"We are pleased to support Commissioner Bronson in
this effort to help the hard working people in Florida's oyster
industry," Barreto said.
Staff of both agencies will continue to closely
monitor Apalachicola Bay water quality, oyster harvest, oyster
handling and oyster processing to ensure oyster resources are
protected and are safe to consume.
"This action should be viewed by the citizens of
Florida and the United States that Gulf of Mexico seafood in
restaurants and markets is safe," Bronson said. "With demand for
safe Gulf oysters at a peak, this action will benefit both our
oyster industry and consumers alike."
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