August 5, 2009

Bronson Announces New Oyster Harvesting Area In Wakulla County

Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson today announced the creation of a shellfish harvesting area in Wakulla County.

The new St. Marks Shellfish Harvesting Area consists of a 4,111-acre conditionally approved area and a 5,264-acre prohibited area. The St. Marks Shellfish Harvesting Area has an anticipated opening date of September 1, 2009, provided that rainfall volumes are not excessive.

“This is a positive development for oystermen in Florida,” Bronson said. “Our staff in the Division of Aquaculture worked with local oystermen on the multiyear project. While the St. Marks Shellfish Harvesting Area is not a large area, it does provide additional oyster harvesting opportunities where none previously existed.”

Opening and closing of the St. Marks shellfish harvesting area is based on local rainfall and river discharge. Too much rain brings potentially harmful bacteria into the area, which triggers temporary bans on harvesting in that area.

Copies of the map, legal description and management plan for the harvest area are available online at www.FloridaAquaculture.com or by calling (850) 488-4033.

For more information:
David Heil
(850) 488-5471
heild@doacs.state.fl.us