Alabama oysters

Holiday kitchens may have a harder time finding oysters from Alabama this season due to a decision from the Alabama Marine Resource Division.

For some people, oysters are something you serve up on the half shell. But, the mollusks also play a major role in the environment and economy of Alabama. On a Saturday morning, a pair of small boats ease up to a cove at Lightning Point near Bayou La Batre. On board are a handful of students, marine scientist, and volunteers. The passenger list also includes about sixteen 16 million baby oysters.

Alabama's oyster harvest is back underway near Dauphin Island after a shutdown prompted by high water levels. A news release from the state conservation…

The state Department of Public Health is temporarily closing shellfish growing waters in Mobile and Baldwin County. In a release Monday, Jeff McCool of…