DEC Contact: Stephanie Rekemeyer (631) 444-0450 June 30, 2022
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DEC ANNOUNCES ANNUAL TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF THREE NORTH SHORE SHELLFISHING AREASAreas to Close July 1, Expected to Reopen July 7 |
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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the annual temporary closure of three shellfishing areas on the North Shore of Long Island during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday period. DEC imposes these closures 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 water quality. “This proactive and temporary closure for shellfishing on Long Island’s North Shore helps safeguard the health of shellfish consumers from potential water quality issues resulting from increased boater recreation during the holiday weekend,” Commissioner Seggos said. ”DEC is calling on marine recreational boaters to be mindful of the no-discharge zones in New York, use pump-out facilities, and to always act responsibly while enjoying New York’s marine waters.” 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. DEC will designate the following areas on the North Shore of Long Island as closed to the harvest of shellfish beginning at sunrise on Friday, July 1:
Shellfish harvesting is expected to resume in these areas on Thursday, July 7. If poor weather causes fewer boaters to visit these areas, DEC may rescind the closure and reopen the areas to harvesting prior to July 7. 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, Port Jefferson Harbor, and the Sand Hole 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 pump-out facilities listed below:
A full list of No Discharge Zones in New York State, including other Long Island waters, can be found on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's website. Note: Images attached of Temporary Shellfish Closures maps. |
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