QUEBEC CITY– During Easter weekend, 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 cautious when serving or eating shellfish.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada is launching its 2009 awareness campaign in Quebec to raise public awareness of the 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 125 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 in order 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.
You can 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
