FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                    

CONTACT: Jeff McCool, (251) 432-7618 Office, (251) 331-0617 Cellular

The Alabama Department of Public Health has closed all shellfish growing waters in Mobile and Baldwin counties. Areas I, II, III and IV are closed. This includes Cedar Point, Portersville Bay, Grand Bay, Heron Bay, Dauphin Island Bay and Bon Secour Bay.

The order by State Health Officer Dr. Donald Williamson closes harvesting as of

3 p.m. on March 12. The order is issued as a result of possible bacteriological contamination of the oyster beds due to recent heavy rainfall.

The department will continue to monitor bay waters and the shellfish. Harvesting can be resumed as soon as areas meet acceptable bacteriological criteria.

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

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3/12/11