News Release
Oct. 29, 2015
The Texas Department
of State Health Services announced today that commercial and recreational oyster
harvesting in most areas of Texas coastal waters will be closed on Nov. 1 due to
excessive rainfall or red tide, depending on the area. Normally, the public can
harvest oysters from Nov. 1 through April 30.
Christmas Bay and
certain areas of Galveston Bay will be open for oyster harvesting on Nov. 1.
All other areas along the coast will be closed to commercial and recreational
harvesting of oysters, clams and mussels until further notice.
Red tide has been
detected along the Texas coastline from Matagorda Bay to South Padre Island. Elevated
or excessive rainfall has also contributed to the closure of oyster harvesting
in some of these areas and in portions of Galveston Bay.
DSHS is advising
people not to harvest and eat oysters, clams, mussels or whelks taken from
these waters. While visual signs of red tide have not been seen lately in
some areas, the toxin produced by the red tide algae can remain in the edible
tissue of shellfish for several weeks to several months. The toxins can cause
neurotoxic shellfish poisoning, or NSP, in humans who consume them. NSP symptoms can include nausea, dizziness, dilated pupils and
tingling sensations in the extremities.
Oysters taken from
waters closed due to elevated or excessive rainfall can be contaminated with bacteria
and viruses and consuming them can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as
diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
Oysters being sold in
the current market place are not affected. The warning does not apply to other
types of seafood such as shrimp, finfish, crabs or to commercial seafood
products from other states or countries.
DSHS will continue
testing in the closed areas and will open areas to harvesting when it is safe
to do so. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department also has authority to close
areas to oyster harvesting based on oyster size and availability. To determine
the current status of shellfish harvesting areas call the DSHS 24-hour
harvesting information line, 1-800-685-0361, for updates. Harvesters are
encouraged to get shellfish harvesting maps from the nearest Texas Parks and
Wildlife Department office or DSHS at www.dshs.state.tx.us/seafood/shellfish-harvest-maps.aspx.
-30-
(News
Media Contact: Christine Mann, DSHS Press Officer, 512-776-7511)
DSHS on Twitter