By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – The state's health officer has temporarily closed shellfish growing areas in Mobile and Baldwin counties. Doctor Donald Williamson says he suspended harvesting because bacteria has contaminated the oyster beds. He says recent heavy rainfall is to blame. Williamson says the bay's waters will be monitored this week, and he says harvesting will resume as soon as the area meets acceptable bacteriological criteria. Affected areas include Cedar Point, Portersville Bay, Grand Bay, Heron Bay, Dauphin Island Bay and Bon Secour Bay.