Shellfish Information

LOCAL INFORMATION:  FOR NIANTIC RIVER ESTUARY 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.
• For Beaches Info click here - llhd.org/healthy-communities/nurturing-healthy-environments/beaches/ - for the latest information from Ledge Light Health District - they test public beaches in the areas and report it on this website page.
• 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.
• July 30, 2020 - Niantic River Shellfishing beds have changed! Click here for The Day article.

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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