Use Caution when Harvesting Shellfish

With the arrival of spring and the ice melt, shellfish harvesting season kicks into high gear. But before hurrying to the beaches, it is a good idea to review regulations on safety and compliance to avoid fines.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada, whose mandate is to protect and conserve fishery resources, works with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Environment Canada to protect public health. Eating contaminated shellfish can cause potentialy serious or fatal illness.

As a result, shellfish harvesting is prohibited in closed areas or within less than 125 metres of a wharf.

The Department is also asking the public to report any harvesting in closed areas by calling 1-800-463-9057. All calls will remain anonymous and confidential.

Up-to-date information on open or closed shellfish harvesting areas can be obtained by calling one of the following telephone numbers:

LOWER ST. LAWRENCE AND GASPÉ PENINSULA
From St-Roch-des-Aulnaies to Gaspé Point:   1-800-463-0607
From Gaspé Point to the Matapédia River:      1-800-463-4204

CHARLEVOIX, NORTH SHORE AND ANTICOSTI ISLAND
From L'Isle-aux-Coudres to Baie-Trinité:        1-800-463-8558
From Baie-Trinité to Natashquan:                 1-800-463-1736
From Natashquan to Blanc-Sablon:               1-800-463-8558

MAGDALEN ISLANDS:                               1-418-986-3882

The latest area closure notices are also posted on our regional website under In the News.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Quebec Region

Shellfish Harvesting in Quebec
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Quebec Region