03-30-2011, 11:10 AM
DURHAM, N.H. - The N.H. Department of Environmental Services and the N.H. Fish and Game Department announce a change in the waters available for molluscan shellfish harvest in Little Bay, Newington and Dover. The waters immediately west of the Spaulding Turnpike/Little Bay Bridge and the General Sullivan bridge are now closed to shellfish harvesting, and will remain closed at least through 2012, due to ongoing Spaulding Turnpike bridge construction.
The waters affected include the Hilton Park area (north side of the bridge) and the Tricky's Cove area (south side of the bridge). Other popular shellfish harvest areas such as Adams Point, Nannie Island, and others are not affected by this closure.
During the time that work is being done over and in the water, several protective measures are in place to prevent and contain releases of hazardous materials. The closure to the area of the bay adjacent to the construction site is a precaution to ensure that those harvesting or consuming shellfish from that specific area would be protected from any accidental release of contaminants into the waters.
The shellfishing area is expected to reopen upon completion of the bridge deck in 2012.
A map of the closure area is available at http://www.wildnh.com/Fishing/clam_flat_status.htm. Harvesters are reminded that the status of all shellfish harvesting areas is updated each Friday afternoon, and more frequently as needed, during the harvesting season on the Clam Flat Hotline at 1-800-43-CLAMS. For more information, please call the DES Shellfish Program at (603) 559-1509, or visit the Shellfish Program website at http://des.nh.gov/organization/divisions.../index.htm.
The waters affected include the Hilton Park area (north side of the bridge) and the Tricky's Cove area (south side of the bridge). Other popular shellfish harvest areas such as Adams Point, Nannie Island, and others are not affected by this closure.
During the time that work is being done over and in the water, several protective measures are in place to prevent and contain releases of hazardous materials. The closure to the area of the bay adjacent to the construction site is a precaution to ensure that those harvesting or consuming shellfish from that specific area would be protected from any accidental release of contaminants into the waters.
The shellfishing area is expected to reopen upon completion of the bridge deck in 2012.
A map of the closure area is available at http://www.wildnh.com/Fishing/clam_flat_status.htm. Harvesters are reminded that the status of all shellfish harvesting areas is updated each Friday afternoon, and more frequently as needed, during the harvesting season on the Clam Flat Hotline at 1-800-43-CLAMS. For more information, please call the DES Shellfish Program at (603) 559-1509, or visit the Shellfish Program website at http://des.nh.gov/organization/divisions.../index.htm.