I went out with Jason Herrmann, a biologist with the Alabama Marine Resources Division, Bayou La Batre Mayor Stan Wright, and Wright’s brother, oysterman Gordon Wright, while they surveyed the bottom of Mobile Bay for the health of the oyster populations that local oystermen rely on. The drought that recently ended decreased the fresh water that made it this far south, and with the increased salinity in the area’s waters, the Florida rock snail, which is a predator of the oyster, emerged and thrived.

The Marine Resources Division is working with the Wrights to take steps that will re-enforce the oyster populations in the area.