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Paul J. Diodati
Director

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Division of Marine Fisheries
251 Causeway Street, Suite 400
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 626.1520
Fax (617) 626.1509
Massachusetts State Seal

June 30, 2006
MarineFisheries Advisory

UPDATE ON DECLINING PSP TOXIN LEVELS IN SHELLFISH FOR
IPSWICH, ESSEX AND GLOUCESTER

The Division of Marine Fisheries (MarineFisheries) reports that PSP toxin levels in shellfish from closed areas on the North Shore are continuing to decline at a fairly rapid rate. This is consistent with a reduction in Alexandrium cells reported by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and the Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) at Provincetown in inshore waters. MarineFisheries expects that current closures on the North Shore will continue for at least two more weeks.The Nauset Marsh System in Eastham and Orleans which was closed on April 27, 2006 was reopened on June 28, 2006.

a bar chart showing the declining toxin levels in blue mussels and softshell clams for Ipswich, Essex, and Gloucester