FISHERIES AND OCEANS CANADA

PUBLIC NOTICE

pn.18.039

2018/10/22

Molluscan Shellfish Harvesting Closure - Significant Rainfall - Southern and Western Newfoundland

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) advises the public of the closure for the harvesting of bivalve molluscan shellfish, including Arctic wedge clam, Softshell clam, Stimpson Surfclam, American oyster, Iceland scallop, Purple-hinge rock scallop, Sea scallop for recreational or commercial purposes in the following areas (effective 6:00 p.m. Monday, October 22, 2018):

-      all waters within 3 km of the coastline of the West Coast, from Sally's Cove (north of Rocky Harbour) [49.7318 -57.9363] southward to the Port aux Basques area and then eastward to Middle Head at the entrance to St Lawrence Harbour [46.8974 -55.3472]

As a result, there is reason to believe that the sanitary conditions of the adjacent marine waters may have degraded to the point where accepted water quality standards have been exceeded and the contamination of the water would likely pose a risk to public health if shellfish in the affected area were harvested for consumption.

More detailed information on these closed areas can be obtained from the nearest DFO office or the following website:

http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/shellfish-mollusques/cssp-map-eng.htm.

The Regional Director General, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Region gives notice that Prohibition Order NSN-2018-003 comes into effect at 1800 hours on October 22, 2018.

In accordance with Appendix VIII of the CSSP Manual of Operations, these areas must remain closed for a minimum of seven days. There will be a Public Notice when the closure is lifted.

For more information on the Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program please consult the following website: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/food/fish-and-seafood/shellfish-sanitation/eng/1299826806807/1299826912745

Contact:
James Mallay
Ecosystems Management Branch
Tel.(709) 772-3265
E-mail: james.mallay@dfo-mpo.gc.ca