License Requirements
All licenses expire September 30 of each year.
Persons are allowed to take up to 100 oysters for personal consumption without a Catcher's License.
Commercial Oyster Catcher - $26.00 Required by all persons (must he in possession) taking oysters for commercial purposes.
Oyster Dredge -$26.00 Required before an oyster dredge can he used along with evidence that a $1000 bond has been secured.
Download synopsis of Oyster Rules: oyster.pdf in Acrobat.pdf format.

Seasons
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) and the Alabama Department of Public Health are authorized to open and close areas during all or parts of the year. Taking oysters from a closed area for any reason is a misdemeanor. Taking oysters from open areas before or after time as set by regulation is prohibited. Transporting oysters at night through closed areas is prohibited.

Gear
Oysters may be taken from public reefs and water bottoms by hand or oyster tongs. Oyster dredges may be used by owners or lessees of private oyster reefs only after purchasing an Oyster Dredge License, posting a $1000 bond, and receiving written authorization from the ADCNR.

Size Limits
Oysters taken for either commercial or personal consumption must be at least 3" in length
(5% undersize tolerance). Oysters must be culled on the reef where they are taken.

Possession Limits
Unlawful to take or have in possession more than the number of sacks of oysters per boat per day as set by regulation.

Leases
Persons, firms, or corporations desiring to lease oyster bottoms shall make application in writing to the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources accompanied by such fee as may be prescribed. It is the duty of each lessee to have established an accurate survey by a registered surveyor of the bottoms, beds, or reefs under his control, and each comer shall be clearly marked and defined with the lessee's name clearly attached. Intermediate markers shall be placed and plat of the area filed with the MRD together with a list of any persons using said lease area (list must be updated every 30 days).

Restrictions
It is unlawful to drag any seines over the public reefs or private oyster grounds. Oysters taken commercially must be sacked (not more than Alabama barrel per sack) and each sack tagged before landing. Tags may be purchased for $0.25 each at MRD offices or authorized agents.