The Department of Agriculture will close the oyster harvesting area 1612 of the Apalachicola bay at sunset today.

Area 1612 is the conditionally approved Winter West Shellfish Harvest Area – it was closed because of high river levels.

The Apalachicola River was at 13 feet at Blountstown earlier this week and that water is now moving into the Bay.

The area will be reopened when sampling shows the water quality is acceptable for harvesting.

Oystermen can get daily bay status updates on the internet at www.FloridaAquaculture.com under the shellfish harvesting tab. 

You can also hear a detailed pre-recorded message of open and closed shellfish harvest areas 24 hours a day by calling 653-8317. 

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