DEC Announces Temporary Closure of Three Shellfishing Areas
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 06/28/2018 12:49 PM EDTDEC Delivers Press Release -Information to keep you connected and informed from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation |
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DEC Announces Temporary Closure of Three Shellfishing Areas |
Three North Shore Areas to be Closed Starting June 30; Areas Expected to Reopen July 9New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the temporary closure of three shellfishing areas on the north shore of Long Island during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday period. These closures are imposed during busy holidays to protect public health from potentially contaminated shellfish associated with increased boating activity in shellfishing waters. Boaters are reminded to use pump-out facilities to help protect these waters. "DEC closes shellfishing in these waters annually during the Fourth of July holiday due to the heavy increase in recreational boating," Commissioner Seggos said. "We strongly encourage boaters to act responsibly and be aware of the no-discharge zones in Port Jefferson Harbor, Oyster Bay Harbor, and the Sand Hole and to use pump-out facilities to prevent impacts to our natural resources and protect public health." Since 1995, DEC has designated these areas as temporarily uncertified for the harvest of shellfish during the Fourth of July and Labor Day holidays. During peak holiday periods, discharges from marine sanitation devices (toilets) may contaminate nearby shellfish beds with pathogenic bacteria or viruses, rendering the shellfish unsafe for human consumption.
Shellfish harvesting is expected to resume in these areas on Monday, July 9. If poor weather causes fewer boaters to visit these areas, DEC may rescind the closure and reopen the areas to harvesting earlier. A recorded message advising the public about temporary closures of any shellfishing areas in New York State is accessible 24 hours a day by calling (631) 444-0480. The recorded message also advises harvesters when such areas have reopened. Information, including maps showing the affected areas, is available on DEC's website. Boaters should be aware that Oyster Bay Harbor, the Sand Hole, and Port Jefferson Harbor are designated as no-discharge zones in their entirety. A no-discharge zone is a designated body of water where the discharge of treated or untreated boat sewage is prohibited. Boaters in these areas should utilize the following pump-out facilities: Oyster Bay Harbor (West Harbor): The Sand Hole (Lloyd Neck): Port Jefferson Harbor: A full list of No Discharge Zones in New York State, including other Long Island waters, can be found on EPA's website. |