Areas of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island Closed to Molluscan Shellfish Harvesting

DARTMOUTH, NOVA SCOTIA and MONCTON, NEW BRUNSWICK--(Marketwire - Sept. 12, 2012) - Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) advises the public that the harvesting of bivalve molluscs including oysters, clams, mussels, Bay scallops and quahogs for recreational or commercial purposes, is prohibited until further notice in areas of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island. The affected areas are outlined below.

This closure is due to extremely heavy rainfall on September 10 which is likely to contaminate shellfish, and increase levels of Bacterial Shellfish Poisoning. The closure was issued by DFO on a recommendation from Environment Canada.

Coordinates of closure:

Nova Scotia - The foreshore and marine waters of Guysborough, Richmond, Bras D'Or Lakes, the Atlantic coastline of Cape Breton Regional Municipality, Victoria County, Halifax County from Hartlen Point to Guysborough County, Yarmouth County, the Northumberland Strait and Gulf of St. Lawrence shorelines of Cumberland, Colchester, Pictou, Antigonish and Inverness Counties.

Prince Edward Island - Area closed: From Hillsborough Bay east along the shoreline of Queen's County, the entire shoreline of King's County and along the north side to near Dalvay.

Testing by Environment Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is underway and the results will help to determine the next steps forward towards progressive re-openings.

Additional information can be found in the DFO Backgrounder, Shellfish Harvest Closures, available at http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/sustainable-durable/aquaculture/ihs-rim-eng.htm