Shellfishing Newsletter

In This Issue:

• Going Shellfishing? Try Using DEC's Public Shellfish Mapper 
• Keep Shellfish Cooled and Shaded Starting May 1
• 2022 Long Island Sound Seaweed Bioextraction Symposium
• Commercial Shellfish Harvester Certification Training

Going Shellfishing? Try Using DEC's Public Shellfish Mapper 

Before going shellfishing, use the DEC Public Shellfish Mapper to know where shellfish harvesting areas are open. This interactive map shows regulatory closures, temporary closures, conditional harvesting programs, shellfish harvest zones, aquaculture lease sites, and water sampling stations. 

While using the interactive map from a mobile device, turn the location services on and the map will show your location in relation to harvest areas and areas closed to harvest.

This map is for reference only. Please review our official regulations for the legal descriptions of the closures. Make sure to also check DEC’s Shellfish Harvest Limits, and contact the town you're harvesting from for information about local regulations and permits.

Keep Shellfish Cooled and Shaded Starting May 1

Clams, oysters, and other bivalve shellfish are filter feeders, which means they feed on plankton and microorganisms they strain from the water. As temperatures rise, naturally occurring bacteria found in New York’s marine waters can potentially grow to unsafe levels in shellfish. A common bacteria that is found in our coastal waters is Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vp), which generally thrives during warm water conditions and can rapidly increase in shellfish during warm air temperatures.

DEC's Vibrio Control Plan promotes proper postharvest handling of shellfish, during the warm weather months between May 1 through October 31 to ensure shellfish are kept cool after harvesting to protect the public health of shellfish consumers.   

To ensure the safety of shellfish for consumers, follow the guidance below:  

• Keep shaded or out of direct sunlight while harvesting. 
• Never keep shellfish in standing water – only keep over ice and make sure to remove melted ice regularly or in a container that is self-draining.
• Once harvested, keep shellfish in a cooler or refrigerator as quickly as possible. 

Visit the Shellfish Safety webpage to learn more about safe shellfish consumption and handling. 

2022 Long Island Sound Seaweed Bioextraction Symposium

Join the 2022 Long Island Sound Seaweed Bioextraction Symposium being held virtually from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on May 18 and 19, 2022. The symposium will include presentations from leaders in the field of seaweed and seaweed bioextraction. During the two sessions, you will explore the current technical, economic, social, and regulatory aspects of bioextraction. There will also be opportunities for discussion among presenters and attendees throughout the event.

Find a detailed agenda and register for the event on the Long Island Sound Seaweed Bioextraction Symposium webpage. Learn more about bioextraction on the Long Island Sound Study's Nutrient Bioextraction Initiative webpage. The symposium is being hosted by the Long Island Sound Study, New England Water Pollution Control Commission, and DEC.

Commercial Shellfish Harvester Certification Training

Commercial shellfish diggers are required to hold DEC permits to conduct harvesting activities. DEC has implemented a new online Shellfish Harvester Certification Training which replaces the previous harvester training certification that has expired for all existing permit holders. A Shellfish Digger Permit will not be issued if you fail to complete the training prior to submitting your application.

The goal of the training is to ensure all New York State shellfish harvesters are informed of current sanitary control measures in place for shellfish harvested and sold as food. 

For questions about the training contact DiggerTraining@dec.ny.gov or call (631) 449-9037.