The Maryland Department of the Environment said it is closing shellfish harvesting in state waters because of potential water contamination from Hurricane Irene flooding and runoff.
The department said the closure begins Sunday and ends Sept. 3, but could be extended based on water-quality monitoring.
The closure applies to Maryland's portion of the Chesapeake Bay, Chesapeake tributaries and coastal bays. The closure applies only to the harvesting of shellfish such as oysters and clams and does
not apply to fishing or crabbing.
The department said it is taking the action because shellfish, which are often eaten raw or partially cooked, are filter feeders and can concentrate disease-causing organisms if exposed to water
contaminated with sewage or animal waste.
- Watch Live: Hurricane Irene Coverage
- Track the storm with our interactive radar.
- Share your photos with us and other readers.
- Check the latest severe weather alerts.
- Prepare yourself and your home for the hurricane.
- By the numbers: Hurricane Irene.
- Dramatic photos of the hurricane.
- Power outages: Info from your power company.
- Complete weather coverage and News4 video forecasts.
- Hurricanes through history.
Local
Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Sign up for our e-mail newsletters and get breaking news delivered right to your mobile phone -- just text DCBREAKING to 622339 to sign up. (Message and data rates may apply.)
