FISHERIES AND OCEANS CANADA

PUBLIC NOTICE

pn.21.010

 

April 12, 2021

Molluscan Shellfish Harvesting Emergency Closure due to Significant Rainfall - Trinity Bay, Conception Bay and St. Mary's Bay

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 12, 2021:

All waters within 3 km of the coastline and islands of portions of eastern Newfoundland from Cape Bonavista at 48.7030°N 53.0869°W to Cape St. Mary's at 46.8127°N 54.1978°W

A storm passing through Newfoundland and Labrador has deposited significant amounts of precipitation on eastern portions of the island over the past 72 hours.

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-2021-004 comes into effect at 1800 hours (6:00pm) on April 12, 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