The summer oyster harvesting season began on Sunday but there are some strict limits on harvesting in place this year designed to rebuild oyster populations.
Temporary rules in effect this summer include the closure of the East Hole bar to commercial or recreational oyster harvesting.
Oystermen are limited to 8 bags a day as opposed to 20, and commercial harvesting will not be allowed on Fridays and Saturdays.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission created the rules in conjunction with the local oyster industry to help rebuild the Apalachicola bay Oyster population which has been severely depleted by low water flows from the Apalachicola River along with other factors.
A federal fishery failure was declared for the Apalachicola Bay oyster industry in 2013 because of the declining oyster population.
The rules will be in effect from June 1st through August 31st this year.
http://live.oysterradio.com/
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