Dartmouth, N.S. - Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) advises the public
that the harvesting of bi-valve molluscs, including oysters, clams, mussels,
scallops, quahogs and whelks, for recreational or commercial purposes is
prohibited until further notice in a portion of Lepreau Basin and Lepreau
Harbour, Charlotte County, New Brunswick. Coordinates of the area are outlined
below.
This closure is due to an increase in levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning
(PSP).
PSP results from eating shellfish that contain naturally occurring toxins.
These toxins are derived from planktonic organisms called dinoflagellates.
Shellfish are filter feeders that ingest and accumulate these toxic dinoflagellates
in their system. When the right conditions are present (water temperature,
salinity, weather patterns, nutrient requirements, etc.), levels of concentration
can increase. As these rises are unpredictable, detailed control measures
must be put in place to ensure that the health and safety of the public
is protected.
For additional information on shellfish closures in your area, please
contact your local DFO office or the Regulations Office at (902) 426-2473
and refer to the Maritimes Region Prohibition Order STN - 2007-017 and STN
2007-018.
Coordinates of closure:
That portion of Lepreau Basin, Charlotte County, New Brunswick inside
a line drawn from grid reference 9890 0018 to grid reference 9870 9980.
Refer to maps St. George 21 G/2.
That portion of Lepreau Harbour, Charlotte County, New Brunswick inside
a line drawn from grid reference 9650 0000 at Ragged Point, to grid reference
9500 9874, and thence to grid reference 9470 9877 at Barnaby Head. Refer
to maps St. George 21 G/2 and Musquash 21 G/1.
Additional information can be found in the DFO Backgrounder, Shellfish Harvest
Closures, available at:
http://www.mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/communications/maritimes/back03e/B-MAR-03-(3E).html.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Communications Branch
Fisheries and Oceans Canada,
Maritimes Region
902-426-3550
