The Apalachicola Bay ecosystem, considered quintessential Florida, is in ruin. Debbie Elliott/NPR Sorry to hear that. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. APALACHICOLA, Fla. (WJHG) - For nearly a decade, calls have grown to close the Apalachicola Bay to oyster harvesting to try and save the oyster population of the bay, which is near collapse. The bay has been closed to oyster harvesting since Aug. 1. An emergency order was issued after seeing a decrease in oysters in the area. The Apalachicola river and bay system is one of the more ecologically diverse and significant natural areas in … Historically, nearly 90% of Florida’s and 10% of the nation’s wild oysters came from Apalachicola Bay. Debbie Elliott/NPR Wednesday's vote means it … Still most speakers at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission supported the ban. The Apalachicola river and bay system is one of the more ecologically diverse and significant natural areas in the southeastern United States. For decades, if you ordered oysters on the half-shell on the eastern Gulf coast, they most likely came from Apalachicola Bay – an estuary in north Florida where freshwater rivers meet the Gulf of Mexico, creating the perfect brackish mix for growing plump, salty oysters. Apalachicola Bay once produced 10% of the nation's oysters, said Georgia Ackerman, executive director of the Apalachicola Riverkeeper, an organization that advocates for … The majority of the FWC funding that is going toward the restoration project will be devoted to rebuilding around 1,000 acres of oyster reef, with nearly $17 million allocated for this portion of the project. hide caption. Apalachicola Bay oysters, sweet and salty mollusks best served raw on the half-shell with a little lemon juice, ... “If the bay is not closed, any oysters that appear will quickly be harvested. South Gulf (941) 613-0954 25550 Harborview Rd Port Charlotte, FL 33980. Williams helped start a petition in protest of the rule change, which he sees as another regulation that will make it harder for fishermen to make a living. Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center, Apalachicola, Florida. Mother Nature will make it come back when … Apalachicola Bay once produced 10% of the nation's oysters, said Georgia Ackerman, executive director of the Apalachicola Riverkeeper, an organization that advocates for … The new dietary guidelines don't reflect that. The ban is set to begin on the first day of August this year, and will last until December 21, 2025 at sundown. 11K likes. Show full articles without "Continue Reading" button for {0} hours. Some contend it should have happened sooner. Popular attractions John Gorrie State Museum and Orman House Historic State Park are located nearby. Also during the 1830’s the US government appropriated money to clear obstructions from the river and to dredge deeper channels leading across the bay to Dog and St. George Islands. - We are now accepting applications for our three and four bedroom homes. Read more . Hopefully they will see some improvement, but I wouldn't hold my breath. The Apalachicola Bay ecosystem, considered quintessential Florida, is in ruin. Real homes. It has for centuries served as the central economic pillar of Franklin County, FL. Tallahassee, the state capital, is 75 miles (121 km) to the northeast via US 98 and US 319. Steven Rash of Water Street Seafood in Apalachicola told commissioners he no longer buys local oysters because he considers them an endangered species that should not be harvested. Page Transparency See More. Wednesday's vote means it … But they're hard to find on the menu today. 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