FISHERIES AND OCEANS CANADA

PUBLIC NOTICE

pn.20.018

May 5, 2020

 

Molluscan Shellfish Harvesting Closure - Significant Rainfall - Bay d'Espoir Area

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) advises the public of the closure for the harvesting of all bivalve shellfish (including Arctic wedge clams, Softshell clam, Stimpson's surf clams, American oysters, Iceland scallops, Purple-hinge rock scallop, sea scallops) for recreational or commercial purposes in the following areas effective 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, 2020:

From the Pushthough near Great Jervis at coordinate 47.6408 -56.1567 east to West Head on the western tip of Long Island at 47.6300 -56.1035; and from Margery Head 47.6149 -55.8795 (located east of Gaultois) east to 47.6167 -55.8724 near Passage Point; closing the waters north, and inside of these two lines including St. Alban's area.

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 2020-001 comes into effect at 1800 hours on May 5, 2020.

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