State reopens oyster beds

The state Department of Health and Hospitals has reopened some of the oyster beds that were closed Aug. 28 as a precautionary measure in advance of Hurricane Isaac.

Oyster harvesting areas located in coastal areas of St. Bernard, Plaquemines, Jefferson and Lafourche parishes reopen Monday.

Some harvest areas in those parishes will remain closed, however, until health officials determine the waters are clear and within approved area criteria established by the National Shellfish Sanitation Program, which is part of the federal Food and Drug Administration.

The oyster beds were closed as a precaution because flooding can cause natural contaminants to wash into oyster-growing areas.