Oyster reefs in South Mississippi are closed to oystering because of heavy rainfall in the area, the DMR announced today.

The area includes Area II "A" and "C" which includes subdivisions of II "E" "F" and "G."

Area "A" includes the northern portions of the Pass Christian, Henderson Point and Hornets Reefs.

Area "C" includes Square Handkerchief Pass and southern portions of Henderson Point Reef, (E) southern portions of Pass Christian Reef (F) and northern portions of Pass Marianne and Telegraph reefs (G).

The areas are closed because they been inundated with rainfall that exceeds the management plan criteria.

The Department of Marine Resources says it will reopen the area for harvest when water sample results meet the management plan criteria.

The closure took effect at 4 p.m. today.