FISHERIES AND OCEANS CANADA

PUBLIC NOTICE

pn.21.008

 

April 6, 2021

Emergency Rainfall Closure for Southwest portion of NL

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 1800 hours (6:00pm) on April 6, 2021:

From Crabbes Head near Jefferies (lat 48.2207 long -58.8624) southward to the Port aux Basques area and then eastward to Connoire Head at the entrance to Connoire Bay (lat 47.6517 long -57.9109).

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-2021-003 comes into effect at 1800 hours (6:00pm) on April 6, 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

 

Contact:

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