State officials will speak on coastal water quality, oyster consumption safety and beach monitoring efforts during the upcoming Little Lagoon Preservation Society meeting, set for Thursday, April 17 at the Gulf Shores Activity Center.

The event, which is open to the public, begins at 5:30 p.m. with refreshments and social time, followed by presentations starting at 6 p.m. The activity center is located at 260 Clubhouse Drive.

Nan Steedley, director of the Seafood Branch of the Alabama Department of Public Health, will serve as guest speaker. With three decades of experience in seafood processing and public health, Steedley will offer an in-depth look at the Alabama Coastal Beach Monitoring Program, including how and where samples are collected, and the department's criteria for issuing swimming advisories.

She is also expected to discuss the possibility of expanding water quality monitoring to include additional sites within Little Lagoon.

In addition to the beach monitoring program, Steedley will address an issue of local concern: why oysters grown in Little Lagoon are not considered safe for human consumption. She will explain the health risks associated with oyster gardening in the lagoon and clarify state regulations on public health advisories.

Scott Bannon, director of the Alabama Marine Resources Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, will join Steedley for the discussion. Bannon will be available to answer questions related to marine resources and fisheries management.

The Little Lagoon Preservation Society regularly hosts meetings to educate the public and promote stewardship of the lagoon's natural resources. More information about the group can be found at https://littlelagoon.wildapricot.org.