The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will close oyster harvest in the public oyster seed grounds east of the Mississippi River, as described in LAC 76:VII.513, and north of the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet, which includes Department of Health Shellfish Harvest Areas 1, 2, 3, and 4, one-half hour after sunset on Friday, March 13, 2025.
Harvest monitoring by the department indicates that the recommended harvest thresholds for the public oyster seed grounds east of the Mississippi River have been met. Additionally, harvest surveys by the department indicate these reefs are also receiving concentrated harvest pressure and the closure is necessary to protect the remaining oyster resource and allow growth for future harvest opportunities. Continued commercial harvest might threaten the long-term sustainability of remaining oyster resources in these areas. Protection of these remaining oyster resources from injury is in the best interest of these public oyster seed grounds.
View a map of the current oyster closure areas.
The Commission previously authorized Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Tyler M. Bosworth to take emergency action to close areas on an as-needed basis based on biological data or if enforcement problems are encountered. 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 rcaballero@wlf.la.gov.