Out of an abundance of caution, on March 14, 2026, the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) has closed Basin 12 (Harvest Areas 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 21) to oyster harvesting. This is a precautionary closure due reports of oil sheen in these areas and the heightened marine traffic associated with cleanup operations from the recent LOOP oil spill. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will be working alongside LDH to monitor the closure. Reopening of these shellfish harvest areas will be conducted as soon as it is determined environmental conditions are within the requirements specified by the National Shellfish Sanitation Program.
Please view the Louisiana Department of Health website or call 800.256.2775 for more information on their closures.