Florida’s Apalachicola Bay Given Preliminary Approval to Reopen for Oyster Harvesting
August 19, 2025 | 1 min to read
Florida wildlife officials have granted preliminary approval to reopen Apalachicola Bay for oyster harvesting, following a five-year closure due to declining shellfish populations. This bay, part of Florida's “Forgotten Coast,” historically produced 90% of the state’s oysters and 10% of the nation's, making its closure particularly impactful. The article highlights the broader context of global fish and shellfish populations facing threats from warming seas, overfishing, and increasing demand.
Florida wildlife officials have given preliminary approval to a plan to reopen Apalachicola Bay for oyster harvesting, five years after the waters were closed due to dwindling shellfish populations.
The closure of the bay along what’s known as Florida’s “Forgotten Coast” dealt a blow to an area that historically produced 90% of the state’s oysters and 10% of the nation’s.
Around the world, fish and shellfish populations have dwindled to dangerously low levels, as one of society’s oldest industries faces warming seas, global appetites and overfishing.
To read more, please visit Tampa Bay Times.