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Further to this morning's closure, (see News Release below) the area is now re-opened for the harvesting of bi-valve molluscs. Tests conducted this afternoon indicate a decreased level of PSP, and levels are within acceptable limits for harvesting. For additional information on shellfish closures in your area, please contact your local DFO office.
Dartmouth, N.S. – Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) advises the public that the harvesting of bi-valve molluscs, including oysters, clams, mussels, scallops, quahogs and whelks, for recreational or commercial purposes is prohibited until further notice in a portion of Halifax to Lawrencetown West Marsh, Halifax County, Nova Scotia. Coordinates of the area are outlined below.
This closure is due to an increase in levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP).
PSP results from eating shellfish that contain naturally occurring toxins. These toxins are derived from planktonic organisms called dinoflagellates. Shellfish are filter feeders that ingest and accumulate these toxic dinoflagellates in their system. When the right conditions are present (water temperature, salinity, weather patterns, nutrient requirements, etc.), levels of concentration can increase. As these rises are unpredictable, detailed control measures must be put in place to ensure that the health and safety of the public is protected.
For additional information on shellfish closures in your area, please contact your local DFO office or the Halifax regulations office at (902) 426-2473, and refer to the Maritimes Region Prohibition Order STN - 2007-016.
Coordinates of closure:
That portion of West Lawrencetown Marsh, Cole Harbour, Cow Bay, Halifax County, Nova Scotia, inside a line drawn from grid reference 7075 4275 (Fox Point, Halifax County, Nova Scotia) to grid reference 5828 2700 on the south side of Duncans Cove 5500 2064 and includes McNabs Island, Lawlor Island and Devils Island. See maps Halifax 11D/12 and West Chezzetcook 11D/11.
Additional information can be found in the DFO Backgrounder, Shellfish Harvest
Closures, available at:
http://www.mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/communications/maritimes/back03e/B-MAR-03-(3E).html.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
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Communications Branch
Fisheries and Oceans Canada,
Maritimes Region
902-426-3550
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NR-MAR-07-13E |
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