Based on credible reports by scientific staff at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution of potentially high Alexandrium sp. cell counts, The Division of Marine Fisheries has enacted a precautionary closure to all shellfishing within the below-defined areas (OC:2 and OC:4) in the Towns of Orleans and Eastham due to possible concentrations of Paralytic Shellfish Poison toxin (also known as "Red Tide") from the dinoflagellate Alexandrium sp.          

Therefore, under authority of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 130, Section 74A and 75, the status of the below-defined areas have been changed to "CLOSED TO SHELLFISHING". Effective immediately, 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 thereunder are hereby conditioned to prohibit the taking, selling or possession of shellfish from the below-defined areas.

AREAS CLOSED TO THE HARVEST OF ALL SHELLFISH

Nauset Harbor
OC:2
“The waters, flats and all tributaries of Nauset Harbor in the Towns of Eastham and Orleans, northerly of a line drawn across the mouth of Mill Pond in the Town of Orleans; southerly of a line drawn across the Middle Channel at the Eastham/Orleans town line; southerly of a line drawn across the southern mouth of the Hemenway River in the Town of Eastham; and easterly of a line drawn across the mouth of Town Cove.”

Town Cove
OC:4
“The waters, flats and all tributaries of Town Cove in the Towns of Eastham and Orleans, southwesterly of a line drawn from Snow Point in the Town of Orleans to the western side of the mouth to the Hemenway River at Fort Hill in the Town of Eastham.”