Last year, Gulf Coast Media reported on a multi-story project exploring the issues that led to the decline of the Alabama Gulf Coast's oyster population and the people and organizations working to find and implement solutions.

For a small refresher of why oysters are so important in our coastal waters, it's simple: The more oysters that thrive in the Gulf Coast waters, the cleaner and healthier our ecosystem becomes.

For those who don't like the taste or texture, you don't have to partake in a serving of oysters to care about their importance. Each oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day. Beyond that, oysters create vital habitats for countless marine species, making them indispensable to the environmental balance of our coastal region.

That is something we can all enjoy.

So, if you are one of those people who wants to learn more or who is already involved with the local oyster farming or recycling projects, mark you calendar for a quick trip over to the Bayou La Batre this coming Tuesday. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) Marine Resources Division (MRD) is inviting the public to a community meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 27, to discuss the future of Alabama’s oyster fisheries. The meeting will take place from 1-3 p.m. at the Bayou La Batre Community and Senior Center, 12745 Padgett Switch Road, Irvington.

This gathering will provide updates on MRD’s ongoing efforts to manage and sustain the state’s oyster reefs, which are vital to Baldwin County's economy, environment and culinary culture.

During the meeting, MRD representatives will review the results of the 2023 oyster reef surveys, discuss the reef grid system and introduce an online data dashboard designed to increase transparency and public access to reef management data. Attendees will also receive information on a potential date and designated areas for the upcoming public oyster harvest, as well as the check-in/check-out procedures required at the Oyster Management Station.

In addition, the meeting will feature an update on the Mobile County shoreline restoration project, which is critical to maintaining healthy oyster populations in the region. Oyster harvesters requiring recertification will also have the opportunity to view an educational video that is part of the recertification process.

Public input is highly encouraged, as community feedback will help shape the future management of Alabama’s oyster fisheries.

For those needing accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, MRD’s Jason Herrmann is available to assist. He can be reached at jason.herrmann@dcnr.alabama.gov or (251) 861-2882. Requests should be made as soon as possible, but no later than two days before the meeting.