Changes to Public Notification of PSP (Red Tide) Closures:
CHECK BEFORE YOU HARVEST BIVALVE SHELLFISH
------------------------------------------
Beginning in September 2006, signs will be posted in tidal water public access
areas warning of the health hazards associated with Red Tide and directing the
public to always "check before you harvest". This new initiative will mean
that static signs remain on site year-around. It will remain the public's
responsibility to ensure the area they intend to harvest is open.
The purpose of this initiative is to direct bivalve shellfish harvesters to
always check that the location they are in is safe and open for harvest. In the
past, the Department posted closure notices on individual accessible beaches
when contamination levels reached an unacceptable level. However, it has
become a challenge to keep the constantly changing information up-to-date and
visible at all of the locations where the public might access shellfish.
The new signs will identify three ways for the public to check the status of an
area for bivalve shellfish harvesting (e.g.: whether the area is open or
closed). Information sources include a DFO website, a toll-free phone line, as
well as phone numbers for the local DFO offices in each area.
DFO website:
www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ops/fm/shellfish/biotoxins/closures/default_e.htm
Toll-free phone line: 1-866-431-3474
Accurate and detailed information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a
week from the website and toll-free recorded message phone line, and available
during regular business hours from DFO offices.
Red Tide (PSP) bivalve shellfish closures can occur during any month of the
year and change frequently. Harvesters are encouraged to always check the
above website, call the local DFO offices (usually in the blue pages of the
phone book), or call (toll free) 1-866-431-3474 for a listing of current
closures just prior to fishing.
|
