June 27, 2013
MONCTON, NEW BRUNSWICK – Fisheries and Oceans Canada wishes to remind residents of Prince Edward Island and visitors about the regulations and potential dangers related to shellfish harvesting.
While visitors and residents alike enjoy harvesting and eating shellfish, such as clams, quahaugs and mussels, the public must verify if the areas where they plan to harvest shellfish are open. Closed shellfish areas are identified by colored signs posted by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Recreational harvesters must comply with regulations and orders related to shellfish harvesting, such as area closures, daily catch limits, minimum size limits and seasons. Closures are in place to protect harvesters and the public. Offenders will be subject to prosecution.
As shellfish feed by filtering microscopic organisms from the water, harmful bacteria, viruses and biotoxins can build up in their tissues and may cause illness in people who consume affected shellfish. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Environment Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada work together to regularly test shellfish areas and to close them when risks are identified. Cooking shellfish does not destroy many of the toxins that may be present in a closed area.
The following table provides information on the recreational shellfish fisheries found in Prince Edward Island:
When fishing a combination of any of the above species, the daily catch limit and possession limit cannot exceed 300 in total. Harvesting oysters and scallops is prohibited.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, whose mandate is to protect and conserve fishery resources, is vigilant in its efforts to prevent shellfish harvesting in closed areas and to protect public health.
For more information, contact your nearest Fishery Officer Detachment Offices found in the Federal Government Blue Pages under Fish/Fisheries.
The Department is also asking the public to report poaching incidents by calling Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by texting TIP 162 to 274637.
-30-
