More than a month after Hurricane Irene, the state Department of Environmental Protection on Tuesday reopened the oyster beds of uppermost Delaware Bay — and promised an extended autumn oyster season to make up for lost time.
Delaware Bay harvesting normally ends Nov. 15, but it will be extended to Nov. 30 and possibly into December until the quota is filled or water temperatures drop and the oysters enter their dormant winter state.
Moreover, the usual Monday-Friday workweek will be extended to include Saturdays, DEP officials said.
“The shellfish industry has been very patient and worked very closely with the state to make sure the beds were reopened safely and in accordance with state and federal health guidelines,” DEP Commissioner Bob Martin said in a prepared statement. “These steps we’re taking will help the oyster industry make up for losses forced by the closures of the beds that occurred during a critical point in the harvest season.”
Written by
KIRK MOORE
New Jersey Press Media
