Two oyster-harvesting areas re-opening in South Mississippi

The state Department of Marine Resources is reopening two oyster areas for harvesting at legal sunrise Thursday.

The reefs have been closed since Dec. 11 because of the red tide algae bloom, Bonnet Carre Spillway opening and excessive rainfall, the agency said in a release.

"After months of being closed, I am happy to announce Mississippi's oyster season will open again," DMR Executive Director Jamie M. Miller said. "This has been another difficult year for our oyster industry, but MDMR remains committed to enhancing the resource moving forward for the benefit of everyone in the industry."

The two conditionally approved areas that will open:

-- Area II "E," which includes Square Handkerchief Reef and southern portions of Henderson Point Reef

-- Area II "F," which includes southern portions of the Pass Christian Reef

The daily sack limit is 15 for tonging and 25 for dredging.

For more information, call the DMR Oyster Hotline at 374-5167 or 1-800-385-5902.

This story was originally published March 2, 2016 at 3:50 PM with the headline "Two oyster-harvesting areas re-opening in South Mississippi ."