Large shellfish closure caused by heavy rain

Shellfishing is closed temporarily in a large area of P.E.I. because of the recent heavy rains.

The area affected starts at Keppoch on the south shore, and runs all the way to Savage Harbour West on the north shore.

The eastern end of the Island remains open.

The closure restricts harvesting of oysters, mussels, clams and quahogs in a three-kilometre-wide band from shore.

It's a precautionary measure due to fears of contamination after the heavy rain.

"Nobody likes to see closures. But people in the industry support and recognize and understand the importance of them," said Ann Worth, executive director of the P.E.I. Aquaculture Alliance.

"Harvesting is busy leading up to Christmas. I find what we've done as an industry is become very good monitors of the weather, well in advance, because you can adjust your harvest plan as an industry in preparation, or in anticipation, of a closure."

For example, those in the industry can step up harvesting leading up to the closure if heavy rain is in the forecast, says Worth.

She says typically closures last seven days.

DFO says it is posting warning signs in affected areas.