News from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
May 19, 2005
Phone: (603) 271-3211
Email: info@wildlife.state.nh.us
For information and online licenses, visit 
http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us

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CONTACT:
Chris Nash, DES: (603) 559-1509
Liza Poinier, Fish and Game: (603) 271-3211
May 19, 2005

      ATLANTIC COAST SHELLFISHING CLOSED BECAUSE OF "RED TIDE"

CONCORD, N.H. -- To protect the public from the possible consumption of 
contaminated shellfish, officials from the New Hampshire Department of 
Environmental Services and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department 
have closed the Atlantic coastline to the taking of shellfish until 
further notice. The closure, instituted May 19, 2005, was made because of 
elevated levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning or PSP, commonly known 
as "red tide." 

In addition, the shellfish beds at Hampton/Seabrook Harbor will be 
closed this weekend. More testing will be done to determine whether 
shellfish harvesting in Great Bay and Little Bay will also be closed; the 
results of this testing will be announced on the Clam Flat Hotline 
(1-800-43-CLAMS) by Friday afternoon, May 20, 2005.

The closures were put in place in response to PSP toxin levels observed 
in blue mussels from Star Island, the Isles of Shoals, and 
Hampton/Seabrook Harbor. Rising PSP levels are also being seen off the coasts of 
Maine and Massachusetts.

Tests are ongoing. When it is determined that it is safe to return the 
Atlantic Coast growing area to open status, a notice will be issued. 
For updates, call the Clam Flat Hotline at 1-800-43-CLAMS or visit 
http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/clam_flat_status.htm.

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Copyright 2005 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, 
Concord, NH 03301.  Comments or questions concerning this list should 
be directed to lpoinier@wildlife.state.nh.us.