DEC Contact: Stephanie Rekemeyer (631) 444-0450 June 30, 2023
|
|
DEC ANNOUNCES ANNUAL TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF THREE NORTH SHORE SHELLFISHING AREASAreas to Close July 1, Expected to Reopen July 7 |
|
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 July 4th 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. “DEC closes these three popular boating areas to shellfishing every summer during holiday weekends to safeguard the health of shellfish consumers from potential water quality issues as a result of increased recreation,” Commissioner Seggos said. “All recreational boaters are urged to be mindful of the no-discharge zones in New York and boat responsibly by using pump-out facilities while enjoying New York's marine waters.” Since 1995, DEC has designated these areas as temporarily uncertified for the harvest of shellfish during the July 4th 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 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 Saturday, July 1:
Shellfish harvesting is expected to resume in these areas on Friday, 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 the 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. View the Temporary Shellfish Closures maps on DEC's website. |
|
###
|