Prince Rupert, B.C. – Fisheries and Oceans Canada would like to remind the public that it is illegal to harvest clams, mussels, oysters, scallops, cockles and other bivalve molluscs (shellfish with two shells) in all coastal areas of the North Coast. Bivalve shellfish in the North Coast is unsafe for human consumption because of contamination or Paralytic Shellfish Poison also known as "Red Tide". With the approach of winter months and very low tides, people may be tempted to harvest clams. There is reason to believe people are not observing the public health closure currently in place. Recreational fishing regulations and areas closed to harvesting shellfish are in place to protect the health of the public. Eating contaminated clams can cause illness ranging from discomfort to death. Harvesting of bivalve shellfish is prohibited in Areas 3, 4, 5 and 6 (Stewart to Hartley Bay). It is illegal to harvest bivalves from these areas. For more information, contact your local Fisheries and Oceans office. To report a violation, call the toll free Observe, Record, Report line at 1-800-465-4336.
** Please note: The Central Coast (Areas 7 to 11) north of Cape Caution, also remains closed to recreational harvest.
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