Shellfish harvesting closures

Before harvesting shellfish (like clams, oysters, scallops, mussels, and cockles), check that fishing areas are open and shellfish are safe to eat!

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) must sometimes close certain areas to shellfish harvesting. This can be for conservation or public health reasons, especially during the hot summer months. Generally, signs are posted at closed locations, and public notices are placed in newspapers and on radio, as well as on this website.

Closures in your region

For the latest updates about closures in your area, call your local DFO office or choose your region:

• Pacific
• Quebec
• Gulf
• Maritimes
• Newfoundland and Labrador

Safety information

• Harvest shellfish safely – Find out what you need to know to safely harvest and eat shellfish.
• The dangers of illegal shellfish harvesting – Learn the health and legal risks of harvesting shellfish in closed areas.
• Shellfish poisoning – Find out about serious foodborne illnesses you can get from eating contaminated shellfish.
• Shellfish food safety tips – Learn how to prepare shellfish safely and avoid foodborne illnesses.
• The Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program – Find out what the Government of Canada is doing to protect Canadians from the health risks of eating contaminated shellfish.

Related information

• Recreational fishing licences and regulations (by province / territory)
• Report a problem (poaching, marine emergencies, pollution, mammal distress, invasive species)