The Corps of Engineers regulations would still apply to any out of the ordinary structures placed on the bottom. Areas within 600 yards of the shore that are classified as natural reefs cannot be used under this procedure. Public Health Considerations Oysters can only be harvested from areas approved by the Alabama Department of Public Health. Some areas of the bay are regularly closed to harvesting while others are normally open but are temporarily closed if water quality declines. In summary many of the basic aspects of oyster farming have now been tried in Alabama.
Questions remain about the economic feasibility.
However, it appears that some forms of oyster farming could increase oyster production. This work is partly a result of research sponsored by NOAA, Office of Sea Grant, Department of Commerce, under Grant No. For more information, call your county Extension office. Look in your telephone directory under your county's name to find the number.