June 7, 2011
Dartmout, N.S. – Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) advises the public that the harvesting of bi-valve molluscs, for recreational or commercial purposes at Corkum’s Island, Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia is closed due to an increase in levels of Diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP).
DSP 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 is that portion of Rose Bay and Lunenburg Bay inside a line drawn from Dry Spitz (latitude 44 degrees 15 minutes 60 seconds North and longitude 64 degrees 14 minutes 29 seconds West) to Cross Island (latitude 44 degrees 18 minutes 50 seconds North and longitude 64 degrees 11 minutes 5 seconds West), thence to Little Duck Island (latitude 44 degrees 21 minutes 47 seconds North and longitude 64 degrees 10 minutes 56 seconds West) and to Stonehurst East (latitude 44 degrees 21 minutes 50 seconds North and longitude 64 degrees 12 minutes 35 seconds West).
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.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
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 information:
Communications Branch
Maritimes Region
(902) 426-3550
CommEnquire@mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
NR-MAR-11-07E
