Mollusc Harvesting

Fisheries and Oceans Canada, whose mission is to protect and conserve marine resources, is closely watching the harvesting of molluscs and closed areas in order to protect public health.

• Zones Closed off to Harvesting
• Conservation Regulations
• Commercial Harvesting
• Risks for Human Health
• Poaching
• Research Into Coastal Molluscs
• Other Links of Interest

Zones Closed off to Harvesting

Mollusc harvesting zones can be closed off for public health reasons or for conservation purposes.

It is forbidden to harvest shellfish in closed off zones. Is it the responsibility of harvesters to be informed of conditions in progress in their shellfish sector.

Zones closed off for public health reasons are identified by displays in the harvesting areas.

Updated information on the closure of mollusc harvesting zones is available at the following numbers:

In addition, the harvesting of shellfish less than 125 metres from a wharf is banned at all times because of the contamination risk.

The most recent area closures are posted in the In the News section on our Regional Home Page.

Other relevant links:
Caution for shellfish consumption
Press release – March 31, 2010

Reminder: closure of shellfish harvesting area
Press release – March 10, 2010

Shellfish harvesting in Quebec
Mollusca.ca – Site of the Government of Canada

Conservation Rules

Shellfish harvesting is regulated in order to ensure resource conservation. Thus harvesters have to comply with the following regulations:

• Recreational harvesting should be carried out with manual tools only.
• Recreational harvesting of Iceland scallop, giant scallop, whelks, oysters and Stimpson surf clams is forbidden at all times.
• The species and daily catch limits permitted vary according to sector. Obtain information from the Fisheries and Oceans Canada office in your sector to find out the rules in force.

Contact details of the offices in the sector

In sectors where it is permitted to fish these species, the harvesters should respect the following minimal sizes:

Commercial Harvesting

In Quebec, more than 700 commercial harvesting permits are assigned to shellfish harvesters. This industry represents between $3.5 million and $5.5 million in annual landings. It is especially important on the North Shore, where more than half of the volume is harvested.

To obtain information on commercial harvesting (landings, permit issuance rules, authorized gear, etc.) contact the Fisheries and Oceans office in your sector.

Contact details of sector offices

Risks for Human Health

Shellfish filter water to feed on the micro-organisms it contains. Hence they can amass certain toxic organisms such as toxic algae or pathogenic bacteria. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Environment Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada work together to monitor shellfish wholesomeness and close zones which pose a health risk.

The consumption of contaminated shellfish can cause serious digestive and intestinal problems and nervous system problems which can lead to paralysis and even death.

Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program
Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Poaching

Fisheries and Oceans Canada invites the public to report poaching acts by calling 1-800-463-9057. Calls are confidential.

Poaching Alert program

Research Into Coastal Shellfish

Assessment of Atlantic surfclam in the coastal waters of the Magdalen Islands in 2009
Scientific Advisory Report – 2010/016

Assessment of the Stimpson surfclam stocks of Quebec coastal waters in 2008
Science Advisory Report – 2009/021

Assessment of the softshell clam stocks of Quebec coastal waters in 2007
Science Advisory Report – 2007/051

Other Links of Interest

2008 Red tide: outcome and conclusions
Infoceans – February-March 2010

Community shellfish management on the Gaspe peninsula
Infoceans – June-July 2009

Toxic algae bloom in the St Lawrence Estuary: Experts’ findings
Infoceans – October-November 2008