August 22, 2007
Dartmouth, N.S. – Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) advises the public that the harvesting of bi-valve and gastropod molluscs for recreational or commercial purposes is prohibited until further notice in a portion of St. Mary's Bay, Nova Scotia. Coordinates of the areas are outlined below.
Bivalve and gastropod molluscs are shellfish with two shells, and includes: oysters, clams (soft shell clams, razor clams, surf clams) mussels, scallops, and quahogs (bay and ocean) and whelks.
This closure is due to an increase in levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP or red tide), and PSP levels are high in numerous locations throughout the coast.
With all PSP closures, the public is strongly urged to comply with fishing regulations and not harvest any shellfish from these areas. It is illegal to harvest shellfish from contaminated areas. Eating contaminated shellfish can cause serious illness; cooking does not destroy the PSP toxin. Proper documentation must accompany commercially harvested shellfish to demonstrate that it has been harvested legally and inspected appropriately.
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. Lobster, crab and shrimp are not affected by these kinds of toxins.
DFO is reminding the public that coastal waters are routinely monitored and are closed to shellfish harvesting when toxin levels are too high for safe public consumption. 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. Mollusc harvesting closures are also implemented due to sewage contamination or dioxin levels in some areas.
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.
Shellfish closures can change frequently, therefore harvesters also are encouraged to regularly check with their local DFO offices for a listing of current PSP closures prior to harvesting.
Coordinates of closure:
All that portion of St. Mary's Bay, Nova Scotia inside a line drawn from a point at the lighthouse at Church Point, Université Sainte-Anne at 44 degrees 19 minutes 57 seconds North Latitude and 66 degrees 7 minutes 34 seconds West Longitude and a point at French Beach Point, Digby Neck, Digby County at 44 degrees 22 minutes North Longitude and 66 degrees 12 minutes West Longitude. Refer to map Church Point 21 B/8.
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.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Communications Branch
Maritimes Region
(902) 426-3550
CommEnquire@mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
