NR-G-06-06E
June 16, 2006
MONCTON -- Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Gulf Region, wants to inform the population of north eastern New Brunswick that the area closed to fishing for bivalve molluscs has been expanded and now includes the entire north eastern shore of New Brunswick. The closure is due to the presence of a toxin known as paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP). The fishery is closed in accordance with the prohibition order mentioned below, issued pursuant to subsection 3(1) of the Management of Contaminated Fisheries Regulations, in the following shellfish area:
Prohibition Order No.: GTN-2006-03Fishing for bivalve molluscs is prohibited in all waters inside a line drawn between a point located at Escuminac Point, Northumberland County, to a point located at the J.C. Van Horne Bridge in Campbellton. The closed area includes Miramichi Bay as well as the Bay of Chaleurs on the New Brunswick side.
The species of bivalve molluscs affected by this closure include oysters, soft shell clams, bar clams, razor clams, quahaugs and mussels. Scallop fishing is not affected by this closure.
Symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning are neurological and normally appear within an hour of eating toxic shellfish. They include tingling and numbness of the mouth, lips and fingers, abdominal pain, and muscular weakness. In the most severe cases, it can lead to respiratory paralysis and death.
The area was closed to fishing bivalve molluscs by DFO on the recommendation of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) after tests results showed unacceptable toxin levels. The prohibition order can only be lifted after three consecutive test results show acceptable toxin levels. This will take at least three weeks.
Paralytic shellfish poisoning is caused by naturally occurring toxins which are accumulated by molluscan shellfish during their normal feeding activity.
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For information:
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Communications contact:
Noëlla Richard, (506) 851-7747
Program contact:
Gérard Blanchard, (506) 395-3045
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Communications contact:
Alain Charette, (613) 228-6682
Program contact:
Jean Gauvin, (506) 533-5194
Internet: http://www.glf.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/cp-cp/ord-ord/po-oi/2006/gt06003-e.html
