FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                               CONTACT: Jeff McCool

                                                                                          (251) 432-7618

                                                                                          (251) 331-0617

State Health Officer Dr. Donald E. Williamson announced today the reopening of portions of Areas I, II and III of Mobile Bay that were temporarily closed to the harvesting of oysters on Oct. 20, 2009.  This includes Portersville Bay, Grand Bay and Heron Bay.  The order will become effective at 6 a.m., Oct. 31, 2009. All public oyster reefs remain closed by order of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Marine Resources Division.

The Alabama Department of Public Health will continue to monitor bay waters and shellfish to ensure bacteriological safety.   

For additional information concerning the opening, contact Jeff McCool, Alabama Department of Public Health, in Mobile at (251) 432-7618 or (251) 331-0617                                                   -30-

10/30/09