State bans shellfishing off the Gulf coast

MOBILE, Ala. (AP) — The Alabama Department of Public Health has closed all shellfish growing waters in Mobile and Baldwin counties. State Health Officer Don Williamson issued the order Thursday because of possible bacteriological contamination of oyster beds from recent rainfall. The health department says it will continue monitoring bay waters, and the harvesting can resume as soon as areas meet acceptable biological criteria. The closing includes Cedar Point, Portersville Bay, Grand Bay, Heron Bay, Dauphin Island Bay and Bon Secour Bay.