Vancouver, B.C. - Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is changing the way it advises the public of potential bivalve harvesting closures due to Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP), also known as "Red Tide". DFO is alerting harvesters in B.C. to always check before harvesting bivalve shellfish (bivalves are shellfish which have two shells, including oysters, mussels, clams, cockles, and scallops).
This September, DFO began posting permanent signs on beaches and in tidal public access areas warning people against harvesting bivalve shellfish in areas potentially affected by PSP. The signs will remind the public to always "check before you harvest" to ensure the area they are in is safe and open for harvest. The signs will also direct the public to a toll-free phone number and a website that provide up-to-date, accurate information for the area.
"In oysters, mussels, clams, cockles, and scallops, the risk of PSP can increase at any time of the year," said Randy Webb, DFO's Resource Manager, South Coast Area. "The hazard to human health from PSP is real and we want to ensure that the public accesses timely and accurate information about closures."
It has always been, and continues to be, the individual harvester's responsibility to ensure the area is open for harvesting.
In the past, the Department used to post temporary closure notices on individual accessible beaches when contamination levels reached an unacceptable level. However, it was a challenge to keep the notices up-to-date and visible to the public. The new strategy is expected to improve public safety regarding PSP closures
It is illegal to harvest shellfish in closed areas. Information on closures is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through a toll-free recorded message phone line at 1-866-431-3474, from DFO's website
www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ops/fm/shellfish/biotoxins/closures/default_e.htm, and from DFO offices during regular business hours.
Shellfish that have been legally commercially harvested are safe to eat. Proper documentation must accompany commercially-harvested shellfish to demonstrate that it has been harvested legally and has been through the necessary inspections.
Backgrounder:
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning and Bivalve Shellfish
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Michelle Imbeau
Communications Advisor
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region
(604) 666-2872
NR-PR-06-22E
