Community Corner

Shinnecock Bay Shellfishing Re-Opens

DEC OKs harvest of shellfish and carnivorous gastropods.

After nearly two months, the state Department of Environmental Conservation has lifted its temporary ban on taking carnivorous gastropods from Shinnecock Bay. Approximately 3,900 acres were closed on April 10. 

Also re-opened was approximately 490 acres of underwater in Sag Harbor Cove that was  after the DEC’s Bureau of Marine Resources reported that shellfish collected tested positive for saxitoxin, a marine biotoxin that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning. 

According to the DEC, the decision to re-open both areas was based on the results of shellfish sample tests and consistent with the requirements of the National Shellfish Sanitation Program.

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More information on emergency shellfish closures and maps are available at the DEC website.


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