Shellfish Harvesting Reopens in Parts of North Bay

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has announced the reopening of two shellfish harvest areas in Bay County starting October 20th. Areas #1012 North Bay Western and #1022 North Bay Eastern will reopen at sunrise for the harvesting of oysters, clams, and mussels.

The reopenings follow water testing that found fecal coliform levels now meet National Shellfish Sanitation Program standards, according to the department. The waters had previously been closed to shellfish harvesting.

The reopenings allow the resumption of shellfish harvesting in the designated areas of North Bay. However, they do not include scallops, shrimp or crab harvesting at this time.

Commercial and recreational shellfish harvesters in Bay County should consult Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulations for details on seasons, limits and requirements. Links are provided in the reopening announcement.

Shellfish harvest area statuses are updated daily. The reopenings are in accordance with management plans for the areas. Questions can be directed to regional Department of Agriculture offices.

Please Visit FWC’s webpage for wild shellfish harvest seasons, executive orders, size and bag limits:

For FWC Commercial Regulations please visit https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/commercial/oysters/

For FWC Recreational Regulations please visit https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/shellfish/

The re-opening of the waters is in compliance with the management plan.  Refer to the Division of Aquaculture’s Daily Status Report  for daily opening and closing information.  For questions concerning scallop harvesting, please call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at (850) 487-0554.

If you have further questions or in the event the daily status report cannot be accessed due to server problems, a detailed pre-recorded message of open and closed shellfish harvest areas is available 24 hours a day by calling the closest regional office.

Division of Aquaculture

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

www.FDACS.gov