The harvesting, shucking, processing and sale of oysters must also conform to all state regulations. Following rainfall, oyster reefs may be temporarily closed to oystering when poor water conditions exist. Important information about the opening and closing of reefs is available by calling the 24 hour DMR hot-line . Sure you can find a natural pearl in a Mississippi oyster. The process begins when sand grains, shell fragments or other particles become embedded within the mantle tissue.
Mantle cells stick to such a particle and are trapped within the mantle tissue.
These cells continue to secrete around the particle and form a pearl. Therefore, its pearl, although interesting, is not valuable and is often misshapen. Oysters are good to eat all year long, but are in best condition and most tasty in the winter and early spring. No gutting or grilling is necessary to eat an oyster, the meat can be completely consumed. It is one of the few foods that can be eaten raw.