The Alabama Department of Public Health has closed shellfish growing waters in Baldwin and Mobile counties. Areas III and IV are closed. This includes Bon Secour Bay. Areas I and II, which include Cedar Point, Heron Bay, Portersville Bay and Grand Bay, remain open at this time.

The order by State Health Officer Dr. Donald Williamson closes harvesting as of 3 p.m. today (Oct. 23). The order is issued as a result of the presence of red tide cells (Karenia brevis) exceeding standards in Area III.

The Alabama Department of Public Health will continue to monitor bay waters and the shellfish. Harvesting can resume as soon as areas meet acceptable standards.

For additional information concerning the closure, contact Jeff McCool, Alabama Department of Public Health, at (251) 432-7618.