4 days ago
Florida moves to reopen Apalachicola Bay to oyster harvesting in January
HAVANA, Florida — State wildlife officials voted Thursday to move toward opening Apalachicola Bay to limited oyster harvesting in 2026 — more than five years after it was closed.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission agreed to consider rules in November reopening the iconic fishery in January, nine months ahead of a schedule recommended by agency staff.
Seafood workers and Franklin County commissioners urged the panel to reopen the bay sooner, arguing that oysters were making a comeback after the shellfish population crashed in 2012.
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Agency staff also recommended limiting the number of oyster harvesters who can fish the bay to 10. But the commission agreed to open it up to anyone who applies and meets licensing requirements.
