MONTGOMERY, Ala. — State Health Officer Dr. Donald E. Williamson announced Sunday the reopening of portions of Areas I, II and III of Mobile Bay that were temporarily closed to the harvesting of oysters on March 8, 2009. This includes Cedar Point, Portersville Bay, Grand Bay, Heron Bay, Dauphin Island Bay and Bon Secour Bay.

The order became effective at 6 a.m. on Monday, March 16.

The Alabama Department of Public Health will continue to monitor bay waters and shellfish to ensure bacteriological safety.

For additional information concerning the opening, contact Ron Dawsey, Alabama Department of Public Health, in Montgomery at (334) 206-5375 or (334) 850-5115.