In accordance with Chapter 130, section 74A of the Massachusetts General Laws, the Division of Marine Fisheries has determined that the waters of Buzzards Bay in the City of New Bedford and the Towns of Westport, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Mattapoisett, Marion, Wareham, Bourne, Falmouth and Gosnold (designated shellfish growing areas BB:1 – BB:58 and E:1 – E:10) no longer meet the requirements for an open status due to unacceptable water quality resulting from an extremely heavy continuous rain event during the period from May 13 to May 15, 2006.

Therefore, under authority of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 130, sections 74A and 75, the below-defined areas have been placed in a “Closed” status to the taking of all Shellfish. Digging, harvesting or collecting and/or attempting to dig, harvest or collect shellfish and the possession of shellfish from the below-defined areas is prohibited.

Under authority of 322 CMR 7.01 (7) all permits issued there under are hereby conditioned to prohibit the taking, selling or possession of shellfish as defined above from the below-defined areas.

STATUS: CLOSED TO THE TAKING OF ALL SHELLFISH AS DEFINED BELOW

“The waters, flats and all tributaries of Buzzards Bay including shellfish growing areas BB:1 – BB:58 and E:1 – E:10 in the City of New Bedford and the Towns of Westport, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Mattapoisett, Marion, Wareham, Bourne, Falmouth and Gosnold.”

The above-described areas shall remain closed until notification has been received from the Division that the areas have been placed into an open status.