News Release
May 21, 2010
The Texas Department of State Health Services has lifted its closure of
Galveston Bay waters after oyster and water test results indicated safe oyster
harvesting could be resumed.
Last month DSHS had temporarily closed most Texas coastal waters to the
harvesting of shellfish after DSHS crews found elevated levels of the Dinophysis
organism entering Texas bays from offshore waters. The levels indicated an algal
bloom was occurring, creating the potential for the presence of toxins in some
shellfish.
Levels taken recently from waters along the Texas coast show no continued
threat from the Dinophysis organism.
The public oyster season ended April 30 in Texas. Harvesting is only allowed
on private oyster leases in Galveston Bay.
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(News Media Contact: Carrie Williams, Acting
Press Officer, 512-458-7119.)
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