FISHERIES AND OCEANS CANADA

PUBLIC NOTICE

pn.21.017

May 25, 2021

Molluscan Shellfish Harvesting Emergency Closure due to Significant Rainfall - West Coast of Newfoundland Labrador

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 (excluding sea scallop) for recreational or commercial purposes in the following areas effective 1200 hours (noon) on May 25, 2021:

All waters within 3 km of the coastline and islands of portions of western Newfoundland from Rose Blanche at coordinate latitude 47.60135 , longitude -58.69506 to Green Point at coordinate latitude 49.68323 , longitude -57.96528

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/CheckBeforeYouHarvest

The Regional Director General, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Region gives notice that Prohibition Order NSN-2021-005 comes into effect at 1200 hours (noon) on May 25, 2021.

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: https://www.inspection.gc.ca/preventive-controls/fish/cssp/eng/1563470078092/1563470123546

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