DEC Announces Annual Temporary Closure of Three North Shore Shellfishing Areas - Three North Shore Areas to Close Starting July 3; Expected to Reopen July 9
"New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the annual temporary closure of three shellfishing areas on the North Shore of Long Island during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday period. These closures are imposed during busy holidays to protect public health from potentially contaminated shellfish associated with increased boating activity in shellfishing waters. Boaters are reminded to use pump-out facilities to help protect these waters. When boating, DEC encourages New Yorkers to get outside safely, locally, and responsibly during the State's response to COVID-19, and to avoid busy waters.
"DEC closes shellfishing in these waters each year during the Fourth of July holiday due to the heavy increase in recreational boating," Commissioner Seggos said. "We strongly encourage boaters to act responsibly and be aware of the no-discharge zones in Port Jefferson Harbor, Oyster Bay Harbor, and the Sand Hole and to use pump-out facilities to prevent impacts to our natural resources and protect public health."