Group fined a total of $19,000 for harvesting shellfish from a contaminated area and other Fisheries Act violations

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) reminds harvesters that shellfish closures are established to protect public health and that the status of harvest areas can change regularly. Harvesters should check DFO’s SHELLI map before every harvest, as shellfish harvested in closed areas may contain contaminants, bacteria, viruses, or marine biotoxins that are not visible and can cause serious illness, or death. Harvesting from these areas is both illegal and unsafe and puts the public at risk, threatens sustainable fisheries, and disadvantages harvesters who comply with the law.