Governor Ron DeSantis Applauds FWC’s Approval to Reopen Apalachicola Bay’s Oyster Industry

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.-Today, Governor Ron DeSantis applauded the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) unanimous approval to reestablish the oyster industry in Apalachicola Bay. The announcement is a result of FWC's adoption of a revised oyster management plan for Apalachicola Bay which will establish annual seasons based on oyster abundance-balancing the continued long-term recovery of the species and local economy.

"Apalachicola's oyster industry has been the cornerstone of Florida's seafood economy for generations," said Governor Ron DeSantis. "No place knows oysters better than Apalachicola, which has historically produced more than 90% of Florida's oysters. I look forward to continuing to invest in restoration activities that support the long-term restoration of Apalachicola Bay and the communities that rely on it."

Today's announcement follows continued investments by the DeSantis Administration to expedite the restoration of the Apalachicola Bay Ecosystem. Over the last two decades, bay-wide declines in the oyster reef resulted in a reduction of oyster populations that led to a closure in the area in 2020. Since 2019, over $38 Million has been invested in projects to expedite the restoration of a sustainable oyster industry.

"The reopening of Apalachicola Bay is the result of the unwavering dedication, hard work, and unifying spirit of Governor DeSantis, the Florida Legislature, FWC Commissioners and staff, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Franklin County, the Partnership for a Resilient Apalachicola Bay, the State University System, State Agencies, oyster harvesters and other stakeholders, and the local community," said Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Executive Director Roger Young. "This collaborative achievement stands as a testament to our shared commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainable resource management, and the long-term vitality of the region."

"Thanks to Governor DeSantis' bold leadership and the support of the Florida Legislature, the Department of Environmental Protection and its partners have made great strides towards restoring oyster habitat and improving water quality in Apalachicola Bay," said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis Lambert. "Through careful management and continued investments in restoration activities, Florida is ensuring that Apalachicola's iconic oysters can once again thrive, now and for generations to come."

"Thanks to Governor DeSantis' leadership and also to hard work from dedicated scientists and project managers at FWC and DEP, we have seen an increase in oyster populations in Apalachicola Bay in recent years," said Northwest Florida Water Management District Executive Director Lyle Seigler. "It is certainly welcome news for the coastal communities in northwest Florida to learn oyster harvesting will return to the Bay."

Apalachicola Bay's oyster industry has defined Franklin County and the Central Panhandle for generations, both culturally and economically. Oyster Harvests in Apalachicola Bay once dominated Florida's commercial oyster fishery and represented a significant component of national commercial oyster production. Apalachicola oysters were an iconic, name-brand fishery on par with Maine lobster and Maryland blue crab. At the height of the industry, approximately 90% of the state's commercial landings and 10% of commercially harvested wild oysters sold in the U.S. came from Apalachicola Bay.

The approved changes for Apalachicola Bay include:

• Establishing a process to set annual harvest levels for specific reefs in the Bay that meet a minimum threshold of oyster abundance.

• Establishing a harvest season with the initial season taking place January 1, 2026 - February 28, 2026, and then continuing with future seasons being October - February moving forward.

• Requiring a Commercial Apalachicola Bay (AB) Endorsement to commercially harvest oysters from the bay. All qualified applicants will have an opportunity to participate in the first season from January 1 - February 28, 2026, and the number of participants in the first season will set the cap for subsequent seasons.

• Establishing an Apalachicola Bay Recreational Opportunity (ABRO) Permit for recreational harvesters who will be selected through a lottery process.

• Establishing reporting requirements for both recreational and commercial harvesters.

The changes approved for statewide oyster harvesting:

• Updating requirements related to culling and sorting of oysters statewide.

Commercial and recreational applications for the initial 2026 harvest season will open at 10 a.m. EST on Nov. 10 and can be submitted through Dec.16 at 11:59 p.m. Commercial applicants can apply for the AB Endorsement through the Commercial Licensing System and recreational fishermen can apply for the ABRO Permit through GoOutdoorsFlorida.

Additional information on the approved changes can be found on the full Commission Meeting November 5-6 agenda, go to MyFWC.com/About and click on "The Commission" and "Commission Meetings."