The Division of Marine Fisheries has determined that Blue mussels Mytilus edulis from the below-defined areas no longer contain biotoxins (Paralytic Shellfish Poison-(PSP)) from the phytoplankton Alexandrium (spp.) in excess of established standards.  These areas remain closed to the harvesting of all other shellfish.

Therefore, under authority of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 130, sections 74A and 75 and 322 CMR sections 7.01 (7), 7.02 and 10.00, the PSP closures for Blue mussels on June 18, 2008  will be rescinded immediately in the below-defined areas.  Blue mussels in areas currently classified as APPROVED and in the “open” status may now be harvested for direct human consumption subject to local rules and regulations under authority of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 130, section 52.  Similarly, those areas classified as CONDTIONALLY APPROVED and in the “open” status are subject to the classification conditions.  Harvesting of all other shellfish from the below-defined areas shall remain prohibited until such time as the Division of Marine Fisheries determines that they no longer contain PSP.

Status: Open to Harvesting of Blue mussels only.  These areas remain closed to the harvesting of all other shellfish.

AREA OPEN TO THE HARVEST OF BLUE MUSSELS ONLY

"The waters, flats and all tributaries within Pleasant Bay (SC:52N to SC:64) in the Towns of Orleans, Harwich and Chatham.”