In shellfish waters approved for harvesting, harvesting is permitted any time. Run-off from such a rainfall event can carry potentially harmful bacteria into surface waters from adjacent land. Shellfish harvesting is not permitted at any time from restricted areas. Certain fish in contaminated waters can accumulate high enough levels of toxic substances that, when consumed frequently over a lifetime, may increase the consumers' risk of adverse health effects. In waters covered by a fish consumption advisory, fishermen and consumers are advised to limit their consumption of certain fish species.
Ensure water is clean and safe for harvesting of fish and shellfish.
The presence of humans in a watershed increases the potential for an adverse impact to shellfish water quality from sewage treatment facilities and bypasses from sewage pumping stations, failing septic systems, increased development, and farm animal operations. Where sewage outfalls already exist, closed safety zones surrounding these outfalls are mandated and necessary to protect human health. In addition, past usage and inappropriate disposal of persistent organic substances have resulted in elevated levels of some hazardous substances in water bodies near major urban centers. Certain fish in these waters, due to their feeding habits, metabolic activity, age and fat content, may accumulate these substances to levels which may be harmful to people consuming them frequently throughout their lifetime. Current advisories are the result of contamination due to past use of Chlordane, which is now banned.