QUEBEC CITY - Easter weekend begins tomorrow and many people will be getting together for family meals. Shellfish is a traditional food often served by many families at this time of year. In the interest of maintaining good health and ensuring enjoyment of the occasion, it's important that people be mindful and cautious when serving or eating shellfish.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada is launching its 2008 awareness campaign in Quebec to raise public awareness of the potential health hazards of eating shellfish taken from closed areas.
The Department is advising the public that shellfish harvesting is prohibited in closed areas. In addition, shellfish harvesting is prohibited within 200 metres of a wharf, due to the risk of contamination. Eating contaminated shellfish is dangerous and may lead to paralysis and even death.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, whose mandate is to protect and conserve fishery resources, is ever vigilant in its efforts to prevent shellfish harvesting in closed areas and to protect public health.
The Department is also asking the public to report poaching incidents by calling 1-800-463-9057. All calls are confidential.
For more information, you can consult the Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program's Web site at http://www.mollusca.gc.ca/. This Web site provides information on the status of shellfish beds (open and closed areas) and contains an interactive map. The Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program is managed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Environment Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
You can also get the latest information on shellfish harvesting by calling one of the following numbers:
CHARLEVOIX, NORTH SHORE AND ANTICOSTI ISLAND
From Ile-aux-Coudres to Baie-Trinité: (800) 463-8558
From Baie-Trinité to Blanc-Sablon: (800) 463-1736
MAGDALEN ISLANDS: (418) 986-3882
LOWER ST. LAWRENCE AND GASPÉ
From Saint-Roch-des-Aulnaies to Cap Gaspé: (800) 463-0607
From Cap Gaspé to the Matapédia River: (800) 463-4204
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Michel Plamondon
Communications Advisor
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Quebec City, Quebec
(418) 648-5419
