DMF logo
Paul J. Diodati
Director

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Division of Marine Fisheries
251 Causeway Street, Suite 400
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 626.1520
Fax (617) 626.1509
Massachusetts State Seal
Deval Patrick
Governor
Ian Bowles
Secretary
Mary B. Griffin
Commissioner

May 15 , 2008

To the selectmen and mayors of the following municipalities:

Salisbury , Newbury, Newburyport , Rowley, Ipswich , Essex , Gloucester , Rockport, Manchester

Ladies & Gentlemen:

Due to Paralytic Shellfish Poison ( PSP ) toxin (also known as “Red Tide”) in shellfish and reported elevated phytoplankton levels of the dinoflagellate Alexandrium (spp.), the Division of Marine Fisheries has closed the below-defined area.

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 THE TAKING OF BIVALVE SHELLFISH AND CARNIVEROUS SNAILS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE ADDUCTOR OF THE SEA SCALLOP effective immediately. Digging, harvesting or collecting and/or attempting to dig, harvest or collect shellfish and the possession of shellfish, including carnivorous snails, 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 WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE ADDUCTOR OF THE SEA SCALLOP

The waters, flats and all tributaries in above-listed cities and towns and those marine waters managed by the Commonwealth from the New Hampshire/Massachusetts state boundary to the Gloucester/Manchester By The Sea line.

 

Sincerely,

______________________
Paul J. Diodati
Director

 

c: J. Hanlon, R. Arduini, K. Dolan, P. Hanlon, DELE
D. McKiernan, M. Hickey, J. Kennedy, D. Whittaker, DMF
WPC, DEP
FDA
DPH
Constables of the above-listed cities and towns