July 8, 2010
Dartmouth, N.S. – Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) advises the public that the harvesting of bi-valve molluscs, for recreational or commercial purposes, in South West New Brunswick is closed due to an increase in levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP).
PSP results from shellfish that contain naturally occurring toxins. These toxins are derived from planktonic organisms called dinoflagellates. When the right conditions are present (water temperature, salinity, weather patterns, nutrient requirements, etc.), levels of concentration can increase.
Closed are the foreshore and waters within 1.6 km of Southern New Brunswick from the Nova Scotia border along the coast of New Brunswick to the United States border and the foreshore and waters within 1.6 km of the Islands of Grand Manan, The Wolves, Bliss, Hills, Frye, Deer and Campobello.
Bivalve molluscs are shellfish with two shells, and include: oysters, clams (soft shell clams, razor clams, surf clams), scallops, mussels, and quahogs (bay and ocean) and whelks.
For further information, contact your local fishery office.
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
NR-MAR-10-03E
