Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Molluscan Shellfish Harvesting Emergency Closures due to Significant Rainfall - East and South Coast of Newfoundland

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 on February 7, 2022:

East Coast of Newfoundland: from Bald Head (east of Little Heart's Ease) in Trinity Bay at coordinate 47.990310,-53.635224, east to Brigus Head (near Brigus South / Cape Broyle) at coordinate 47.099526, -52.867691. 

and

South and East Coast of Newfoundland: from Friar Head in Fortune Bay at coordinate 47.5853, -55.0787 east to Brigus Head near South Brigus/ Cape Broyle at coordinate 47.099526, -52.867691.

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: Check Before you Harvest

The Regional Director General, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Region gives notice that Prohibition Orders NSN-2022-001 and NSN-2022-002 comes into effect at 1200 hours on February 7, 2022.

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: Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program (CSSP)