Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries 251 Causeway Street, Suite 400 Boston, MA 02114 (617) 626.1520 Fax (617) 626.1509 |
June 26, 2008
Boards of Selectmen of the Towns of Eastham, Orleans , Chatham and Nantucket
Ladies & Gentlemen:
The Division of Marine Fisheries has determined that the molluscan shellfish Surf clams, Spisula solidissima, Ocean quahogs, Arctica islandica, and whole or roe-on Sea scallops, Placopecten magellanicus and the carnivorous Moon snails Lunatia heros and Polinices (spp.) from the below-defined areas contain Paralytic Shellfish Poison toxin (also known as "Red Tide") from the dinoflagellate Alexandrium (spp.) in excess of the established standards.
Under authority of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 130, Section 74A and 75, the below-defined areas are closed to the harvest of Surf clams, Spisula solidissima, Ocean quahogs, Arctica islandica, and whole or roe-on Sea scallops, Placopecten magellanicus and the carnivorous Moon snails Lunatia heros and Polinices (spp.) with the exception of the adductor muscle of the sea scallop, until subsequent examination shows that these shellfish are safe for human consumption (crustaceans such as lobsters and crabs are not included in this closure).
The below-defined areas are CLOSED to the taking of Surf clams, Spisula solidissima, Ocean quahogs, Arctica islandica, and whole or roe-on Sea scallops, Placopecten magellanicus and the carnivorous Moon snails Lunatia heros and Polinices (spp.) (with the above-noted exceptions for sea scallops, crabs and lobsters). Digging, harvesting or collecting and/or attempting to dig, harvest or collect these shellfish and their possession, except sea scallop adductor muscles, from the below-defined areas is prohibited.
Under authority of 322 CMR 7.01(7) all permits issued thereunder are hereby conditioned to prohibit the taking, selling or possession of shellfish from the below defined areas.
AREA CLOSED TO THE HARVEST OF Surf clams, Spisula solidissima, Ocean quahogs, Arctica islandica, and whole or roe-on Sea scallops, Placopecten magellanicus and the carnivorous Moon snails Lunatia heros and Polinices (spp.)
Sincerely,
______________________
Paul J. Diodati
Director
c:
J. Hanlon, R. Arduini, K. Dolan, P. Hanlon DELE
D. McKiernan, M. Hickey, D. Whittaker, DMF
WPC, DEP
FDA
DPH
Constables of the above-named towns