Division of Marine Fisheries: Seasonal Status Change; Closed to Shellfishing June 1 - October 31, 2020

Posted on: June 3, 2020 - 10:45am

In accordance with Chapter 130, Section 74A of the Massachusetts General Laws, the Division of Marine Fisheries has determined that the below-defined “CONDITIONALLY APPROVED” shellfish growing area, West Island South (BB:17), in the Town of Fairhaven, no longer meets the established criteria for the harvest of shellfish due to due to seasonal water quality changes. The status of this area will be changed to “CLOSED TO SHELLFISHING” as of sunrise May 1, 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 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 area. 

CLASSIFICATION: CONDITIONALLY APPROVED
SEASONAL STATUS CHANGE
Status: Closed to Shellfishing
June 1st – October 31st
[Dates Inclusive]
 

BB:17.0 West Island South 

“The waters, flats and all tributaries of that portion of Buzzards Bay in the Town of Fairhaven, north of a line drawn from Wilbur Point to Rocky Point and south of a line drawn from the “NO SHELLFISHING” sign at the southernmost tip of Long Island to the "NO SHELLFISHING" sign on the beach at the west end of Gull Road.” 

The preceding Conditionally Approved area shall remain in the closed status during the inclusive dates. The status will not automatically revert to open to shellfishing on November 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 Officical Document from the Division of Marine Fisheries can be found HERE