FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Jeff McCool, (251) 662-7511; (251) 331-0617

State Health Officer Dr. Donald E. Williamson announced today the reopening of portions of Areas I and III of Mobile Bay that were temporarily closed to the harvesting of oysters on Sept. 5, 2011. This includes Heron Bay.

The order will become effective at 6 a.m., Sept. 13, 2011. Area II of Mobile Bay, which includes Portersville Bay and Grand Bay, remains closed.

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) 662-7511 or (251) 331-0617.

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9/12/11