Shellfishing News

Shellfish Consumer Safety

Shellfish–clams, oysters, mussels and scallops–are filter-feeders, filtering food out of the water that moves through their bodies. In polluted waters, they absorb contaminants, from heavy metals and PCBs to excess nutrients and bacteria.

Shellfish can become contaminated when excess nutrients in a waterbody cause an overgrowth of algae. When this happens certain species of algae produce a dangerous neurotoxin known as saxitoxin. These overgrowths are known as harmful algal blooms. Saxitoxin can accumulate in shellfish, making them very dangerous for people to eat.

Saxitoxin causes Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP), which leads to numbness and tingling in the face and extremities, followed by headache, dizziness, nausea and a loss of coordination. The onset of symptoms can range from 15 minutes to 10 hours after eating the contaminated shellfish, depending on the quantity consumed. Saxitoxin cannot be removed through cooking.

DEC conducts extensive water-quality monitoring to detect harmful algae and saxitoxin in shellfish. Samples of locally harvested shellfish are collected and examined for saxitoxin. If any samples test positive, the area they were harvested from is immediately closed. It won't reopen until three consecutive tests over a two-week period come back negative for saxitoxin.

Any area deemed unsanitary for shellfish consumption is considered ‘uncertified’ or closed to the harvesting of shellfish. If you are interested in harvesting shellfish, you must take them only from areas that are open. You should also review areas that are closed to shellfishing and harvest limits for shellfish.

For more information, visit DEC's Shellfishing webpage or contact 631-444-0492. 

Conditional Shellfish Harvesting Programs

Under certain conditions, water quality predictably improves to the point where normally uncertified waters meet the standards for certified shellfishing areas. Conditional programs are typically operated during the colder months of the year, usually from mid-December through mid-April, when bacteria levels in the water are lower and there is less rainfall-related runoff. These programs are carried out in cooperation with local towns. Please review the provisions for each conditionally certified area below and click the links to DEC's webpages where you will find more details.

Town of Oyster Bay: Oyster Bay Harbor

Program in effect from December 15, 2017 through April 20, 2018 (both dates inclusive) between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, on days the recorded telephone message announces the area is open. Each morning, beginning at 7:30 AM, call 516-677-5350 and listen to the recorded message announcing whether the conditional area is open or closed.

Town of Huntington: Centerport Harbor

Program in effect: December 15, 2017 through April 20, 2018 (both dates inclusive) between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, on days the recorded telephone message announces the area is open. Each morning, beginning at 7:30 AM, call 631-351-3327 and listen to the recorded message announcing whether the conditional area is open or closed.

Town of Southampton: North Sea Harbor/Fish Cove

Program in effect: December 13, 2017 through April 13, 2018 (both dates inclusive) between the hours of 9:00 AM and sunset, on days the recorded telephone message announces the area is open. Each morning, beginning at 8:30 AM, call 631-287-5724 and listen to the recorded message announcing whether the conditional area is open or closed.

Town of Shelter Island: Dering Harbor

Program in effect: November 20, 2017 through May 11, 2018 (both dates inclusive) between the hours of 9:00 AM and sunset, on days the recorded telephone message announces the area is open. Each morning, beginning at 8:45 AM, call 631-749-0400 (option 9, then option 7) and listen to the recorded message announcing whether the conditional area is open or closed.

Visit Conditional Shellfish Harvesting Programs or call 631-444-0492 for more information.

Our Public Shellfish Mapper has an interactive map of all shellfish harvesting areas.

Commercial Fishing Permit Renewals

As 2017 comes to an end, DEC’s Marine Permit Office has sent out the Commercial Fishing Permit renewal applications for 2018. All permits issued by the Marine Permit Office are effective from January 1 until December 31. At the end of each calendar year, permit holders are responsible for renewing their permits for the following year. If you are a Food Fish, Lobster, Crab or Whelk permit holder, you must renew your permit each year to remain eligible to participate in the fishery. The last day to renew your 2017 permit or license is December 29, 2017.

If you have not received your 2018 renewal application or are interested in applying for a commercial fishing license, contact the Marine Permit Office at MPO@dec.ny.gov or call 631-444-0470.