Letter To Editor - Oyster Prices

My wife and I were in Cedar Key yesterday. As with every trip to Cedar Key, a plate of raw oysters was my first priority upon arrival. I quickly noticed the price increase compared to previous years and asked our waitress about it. She briefly mentioned new regulations and how not as many oysters are being harvested.

When we got home, I decided to research the matter online. Most of the news articles I found were from 2009. I understand that there were proposals to have gulf coast oysters go through post harvest processing and mention of them being chemically treated in an effort to reduce or eliminate the presence of potentially harmful bacteria`s but at a significant cost to the oyster farmers. The new regulations were to take effect in 2011. I also read that a number of senators and congressman from gulf coast states were fighting to block passage of certain legislation.

I need your help because I wasn`t able to come to a conclusion as to what new regulations actually went into effect and what affect they are having on oyster related businesses in Cedar Key. All I know is that the price for oysters was higher than I`ve ever seen at the two Cedar Key establishments we ate at yesterday. Can you update me on these issues? Is it likely that the raw oysters I ate yesterday were treated post harvest in some way? If so, how were they treated? Chemicals? Radiation? I should mention that the quality of the oysters I had yesterday was not nearly as good as what I was served from the same establishment a year ago. They were not as plump and juicy and a desirable texture was lacking. It was as though they were not very fresh though they didn`t taste or smell spoiled or anything like that.

Thank you for your time. I appreciate whatever information you can provide on these matters.

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