Shellfish in Sag Harbor Cove recently tested positive for saxitoxin, a marine biotoxin that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning, and as a result harvesting shellfish and carnivorous gastropods from the cove will be prohibited until further notice, according to the the state Department of Environmental Conservation.
The temporary closure 490 acres of underwater lands, including Sag Harbor Cove, Upper Sag Harbor Cove and tributaries west of the Lance Corporal Jordan Haerter Veterans Memorial Bridge, begins sunrise Friday.
"All harvesting of shellfish and carnivorous gastropods in these lands is prohibited until further notice in an effort to protect public health," the DEC stated.
According to the DEC, carnivorous gastropods, such as whelks, conchs and moon snails, feed on shellfish and may accumulate biotoxins at levels that are hazardous to human health.
For the latest information on the closure and when it is lifted, those interested may call the DEC at 631-444-0480 for a recorded message.
