17-07-2025
FWC creates proposal for Apalachicola oyster harvesting return in October
APALACHICOLA, Fla. (WMBB) – Oyster harvesting could return to Apalachicola for the first time in five years.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is proposing for the first season to begin on October 1, 2026.
Many estuaries in Florida have lost 80-90% of oyster reefs. But oystermen say overharvesting was not the cause.
'Whatever killed oysters, I don't know, but I can promise you it wasn't from overharvest. Our span started dying, and when it did survive, it didn't last long. I mean, it never got bigger than your fingernail. So that's what happened to the oysters,' Seafood Work and Waterman's Association President Wayne Williams said.
Based on the FWC's 2025 monitoring, there are four current oyster reefs in Apalachicola.
The state is working to restore $2,000 acres of oyster reefs by 2032 and re-establish the fishery with a long-term clutching program. To continue the restoration, they're proposing a limited opening of the oyster beds, keeping some areas closed.
The FWC is also suggesting having an app for mandatory reporting of oyster harvesting. Oyster harvesters say they would be happy with anything.
'We need to go back to work. It don't matter if it's a bag a day, we would be happy with a bag a day,' Apalachicola resident Francis Estes commented.
Franklin County commissioners say the local economy needs the oyster industry to return.
'There's not a lot left here. Everything here is based on tourism. We live in hurricane alley. There's going to come a day if we don't diversify our economy, that we're going to be looking at down the barrel of a gun. If Hurricane Michael hit Franklin County, we would have no economy today,' Chairman Ricky Jones said.
FWC officials say they'd prefer $30-50 million a year to continue the restoration.
Franklin County asked the legislature for $30 million dollars this year, but only received $2.1 million.
'I just don't don't want to be left hanging. Now, a lot of people come in, and as long as the money's there, they're going to do this and do that. But then there's no money. You know, people drop us like a bad habit, and then we're stuck with a mess and with nothing for our community,' Commissioner Jessica Ward added.
The FWC hosted several public workshops across Florida to hear about oyster harvesting.
They will hold their proposed rule hearing at 8:30 a.m. on August 13th and 14th in Havana.
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