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Apalachicola Bay Oyster Fishery Eyed for Partial Reopening After Collapse
8 Aug
Summary
- Florida wildlife officials considering limited oyster harvesting in Apalachicola Bay
- Bay's oyster fishery collapsed over a decade ago and has struggled to recover
- Restoration efforts underway, including $12.5 million in state funding
As of August 8th, 2025, Florida wildlife officials are weighing a plan to partially reopen Apalachicola Bay for limited oyster harvesting. The bay's once-thriving oyster fishery collapsed over a decade ago and has continued to struggle to recover.
According to a memo from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, some of the bay's oyster reefs have now "recovered to a condition that could support limited commercial and recreational harvest." The agency is considering implementing a lottery system to issue permits for recreational harvesters and new rules for the commercial industry, such as a harvesting season, harvest limits, and increased reporting requirements.
The Apalachicola Bay has long been known for its oysters, once supplying over 90% of Florida's oysters and 10% of the nation's. However, the fishery's collapse in 2013 has had significant economic impacts on the surrounding region, leaving Franklin County more than 90% dependent on tourism.
Efforts are underway to restore the bay's oyster population. The state's current budget includes $12.5 million to rebuild oyster reefs in Apalachicola Bay, as well as an additional $5 million for sewage and stormwater projects to help protect the ecosystem. While a "no significant recovery" has occurred since the 2013 collapse, wildlife officials are hopeful that a carefully managed reopening could aid the bay's ongoing restoration.
