Shellfishing Areas Closed by DEC

The presence of a marine biotoxin in waters around Huntington have led the state Department of Environmental Conservation to closed certain areas to shellfish harvesting.

The closure impacts approximately 2,200 acres and covers all the underwater lands in Northport Bay, Centerport Harbor and Duck Island Harbor that lie east of a line extending from the southernmost point of Hobart Beach—also known as Sand City Beach—to the northeast corner of the beach pavilion at the Town of Huntington's Crescent Beach, located on the southern shore of Huntington Bay.

Clams, mussels and oysters are harvested commercially and recreationally in these areas. 

All shellfish harvesting in these lands is prohibited until further notice in an effort to protect public health.

This action was taken after DEC determined that shellfish samples collected from both Northport Harbor and Northport Bay tested positive for saxitoxin, a marine biotoxin that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP). The samples were tested as part of DEC's marine biotoxin monitoring program. In 2006, DEC implemented the first-ever closure of shellfish lands due to the detection of biotoxins in shellfish in Northport Harbor. Closures also took place in 2008 and 2009.

DEC will reopen areas as soon as possible based on the results of laboratory analyses of shellfish and water samples that will be collected over the next few weeks. A taped message advising harvesters of the status of these shellfish areas may be heard by calling (631) 444-0480. The message will be updated during the course of the temporary closure.