DEC: Shellfishing Temporarily Closed in Port Jefferson Harbor

The New York State Department of Conservation (NYS DEC) has announced that shellfishing has been closed all of the normally certified area of Port Jefferson Harbor, including the Narrows and (Mount Misery Cove) through July 10.

Commissioner of the NYS DEC, Joe Martens, announced that the closure is "a routine and temporary closure" of three shellfishing areas on the north shore of Long Island, including Port Jefferson Harbor, a section of Oyster Bay and the Sand Hole in the Town of Huntington.

“As a precautionary measure, DEC annually closes shellfishing in these waters during Fourth of July weekend because of the heavy increase in recreational boating,” Commissioner Martens said. “We strongly encourage boaters to act responsibly and recognize and respect 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.”

Since 1995 the NYS DEC has temporarily designated these areas as unsafe for the harvest of shellfish during the Fourth of July and Labor Day holidays. The reason is that during peak holiday times when there is heavy boat traffic, discharges from marine sanitation devices (toilets) may contaminate nearby shellfish making them unsafe to eat.

Shellfish harvesting is expected to resume in these areas on July 10

The NYS DEC has plans monitor the areas for actual boat traffic. If fewer boats visit the areas then the NYS DEC says it might reopen the them to shellfishing earlier than July 10.