In accordance with Chapter 130, section 74A of the Massachusetts General Laws, the Division of Marine Fisheries has determined that the Westport River in the Town of Westport (designated shellfish growing areas BB:3 and BB:4) no longer meets the requirements for an open status due to unacceptable water quality because of excessive runoff resulting from an extremely heavy rain event on August 11, 2008.

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 in the Westport River in growing areas BB:3 and BB:4 in the Town of Westport north of a line drawn across the mouth of the Westport River .”

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