The Alabama Department of Public Health has closed all shellfish growing waters in Mobile and Baldwin counties. Areas I, II, III, IV and V are closed: this includes Cedar Point, Portersville Bay, Grand Bay, Heron Bay, Dauphin Island Bay and Bon Secour Bay.

The order by State Health Officer, Dr. Donald Williamson, closes harvesting as of 6 a.m. on Sept. 5, 2011. The order is issued as a result of possible bacteriological contamination of the oyster beds due to recent heavy rainfall.

The Alabama Department of Public Health will continue to monitor bay waters and the shellfish. Harvesting can be resumed as soon as areas meet acceptable bacteriological criteria.

For additional information concerning the closure, contact Jeff McCool, Alabama Department of Public Health, in Mobile at 251-662-7511 or 251-331-0617.