Division of Marine Fisheries: Closed to Shellfishing, Bella Vista Cove Area

In accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 130, Section 74A, the Division of Marine Fisheries has determined that the below-defined “CONDITIONALLY APPROVED” shellfish growing area in Nasketucket Bay, Bella Vista Cove Area (BB:18.5) in the Town of Fairhaven, no longer meets the established criteria for the harvest of shellfish due to seasonal water quality changes. The status of this area will be changed to “CLOSED TO SHELLFISHING” as of sunrise on February 12, 2020. 

Therefore, under authority of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 130, Section 74A, the status of the below-defined area has been changed to "CLOSED TO SHELLFISHING". Digging, harvesting or collecting and/or attempting to dig, harvest or collect shellfish and the possession of shellfish from the below-defined area are 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 area. 

CLASSIFICATION: CONDITIONALLY APPROVED 

SEASONAL STATUS CHANGE Status: Closed to Shellfishing February 12 – February 29 [Dates Inclusive] 

BB:18.5 Bella Vista Cove Area 

“The waters, flats and all tributaries of that portion of Nasketucket Bay in the Town of Fairhaven, northeast of a line drawn in a southwesterly direction from the southernmost tip of Bella Vista Island to the western end of Cherrystone Road on West Island.” 

The status of the above CONDITIONALLY APPROVED area, BB:18.5, shall remain in the closed status during the inclusive dates. The status will not automatically revert to open to shellfishing on March 1, 2020, but will remain closed until examined by the Division and notification is made that the area has been placed in the open status.

The official document from the Division of Marine Fisheries can be found HERE.