Shellfish Closings

LOCAL INFORMATION:  FOR  NIANTIC RIVER AND SURROUNDING AREAS:

• Shellfish closings: 
• Call 860-444-5812 Shellfish Status Line for all three shellfish commissions (WELSCO - which focuses on the Niantic River & Bay), East Lyme Shellfish Commission and Waterford Shellfish Commission).  In the Niantic River, Area B south closed May 1st for the seasonal closing.
• Or Click here for the latest information from the Waterford-East Lyme Shellfish Commission (WELSCO) - they keep their website up-to-date with the latest closings.

Remember if the shellfishing is shut down, it means that the meat of the shellfish has too many pollutants to be safely eaten.  This usually happens after a large rain event that has created enough runoff to bring all types of pollutants into the river - from the roads, lawns and tributaries. The Niantic River is actually an Estuary, so the tides will generally clean the river out over a few days. Keep checking back to the WELSCO website to see when the shellfish beds are re-opened.

US EPA - SHELLFISH PROTECTION

THE U.S.Environmental Protection Agency leads and participates in a comprehensive set of programs and activities that help protect waters that support shellfish.
Visit their website to locate information about shellfish and fishery closings.

Check out this CT DEEP website for what kinds of fish you can eat from the River and more rules about fishing in CT:   portal.ct.gov/DPH/Environmental-Health/Environmental-and-Occupational-Health-Assessment/CT-Fish-Consumption-Advisory-and-the-Safe-Eating-of-Fish-Caught-in-Connecticut#47464

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