Oyster Harvesting Ban Enacted Due to Red Tide

Oyster harvesting has been shut down along Texas coastal waters.

Commercial and recreational harvesting of oysters, mussels, and clams has been halted due to the red tide algae bloom.

The ban was announced by the Department of State Health Services, who also advises that clams, mussels, whelks, and oysters from Texas coastal waters not be consumed, since the algae bloom can lead to shellfish poisoning.

The red tide creates the possibility of neurotoxic shellfish poisoning in humans.

A timeframe for the ban has not been determined. The oyster harvesting season generally lasts from November through April.

Fish, shrimp, and crabs are generally safe to eat as long as they are caught alive, and act normally when caught.