River stage forces closure of waters to oystermen

GULF OF MEXICO — The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) has closed Area II “A” Conditionally Approved Waters, Area II “B” Conditionally Approved Waters and Area II “D” Conditionally Approved Waters to the harvest of oysters due to the Pearl River stage exceeding the 10-foot management plan criteria for these areas.

This includes:

• Area II “A” Conditionally Approved Waters (northern portions of the Pass Christian and Henderson Point reefs and Hornets reef)

• Area II “B” Conditionally Approved Waters (St. Stanislaus and Waveland reefs)

• Area II “D” Conditionally Approved Waters (reefs located between the U.S. 90 and the CSX Railroad bridges)

The MDMR said these areas may reopen for harvest when water sample results meet the management plan criteria for reopening.