The Division of Marine Fisheries (MarineFisheries) has determined that due to elevated levels of toxic marine algae, consumption of certain shellfish species and shellfish products from waters adjacent to the Massachusetts coast should be restricted.

Consequently, the Director has enacted an emergency action and procedure to restrict the taking of certain shellfish from waters adjacent to Massachusetts state waters to protect public health. This emergency action restricts vessels registered under the laws of the Commonwealth fishing in federal waters from taking or possessing for commercial or recreational purposes prohibited species and products.  Under authority of 322 CMR 6.38 & 7.01(7) all permits issued by the Commonwealth are hereby conditioned to prohibit the taking, selling or possession of prohibited shellfish from the restricted area: includes all waters south of 43º latitude, west of 69º longitude, north of 40º latitude, and east of 71º longitude (see map below).

The following species and products are prohibited from the restricted area: all shellfish and carnivorous snails, with the exception of the adductor muscle of the sea scallop.  This closure will remain in effect until subsequent examination shows that these shellfish are safe for human consumption.  Note: crustaceans such as lobsters and crabs are not included in this closure.

This action complements the ongoing federal closure in the Georges Bank area (east of 69º longitude), which prohibit the taking of surf clams, ocean quahogs, and mussels carnivorous snails, as well as the landing of whole sea scallops. The emergency closure will remain in effect until further notice.