News Flash

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: 4PM 7/13/22 - ENTIRETY OF NAUSET ESTUARY CLOSED TO ALL SHELLFISHING

Due to a bloom of the phytoplankton Dinophysis sp. which is known to produce okadaic acid, the cause of Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP) toxicity in shellfish, the Division of Marine Fisheries has issued a closure of the entirety of Nauset Estuary in the Towns of Orleans and Eastham to all shellfishing.  Please refer to the updated map and notice for details.

TOWN OF ORLEANS, MA

RESTRICTED OR CLOSED SHELLFISH AREAS 

EFFECTIVE DATE: 7/13/2022 UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE 

• Please note that all areas not specifically identified as “CLOSED” are open for the harvesting of shellfish.
• Remember to check for updated closures each time before you go shellfishing.  We post this information on-line at www.town.orleans.ma.us. The map and information sheet are in effect from the posted date until further notice.

NAUSET ESTUARY

• The ENTIRETY OF NAUSET ESTUARY ISCLOSED for the taking of all shellfish.  Refer to closure map on the town website.

PLEASANT BAY ESTUARY

1.  Meetinghouse Pond, north of a line drawn easterly from the dock located at 27 Cheney Road to the dock located at 26 Tide End Lane, is CLOSED for the taking of all shellfish.                           
2. Arey’s Pond - north of a line drawn across the mouth of Arey’s Pond is CLOSED for the taking of all shellfish.
3. Lonnie’s Pond, from the launching ramp at the town landing and south to the Herring run creek is open for FAMILY PERMITS ONLY. 
4. Paw Wah Pond and the entrance creek is CLOSED for the taking of all shellfish. 
5. Quanset Pond and Little Quanset Pond east of a line drawn from the middle of the point to the pier on the opposite shore and to a depth of 3 feet as measured at low water is open to the taking of shellfish for FAMILY PERMITS ONLY. 
6. Pochet Creek, north of a line drawn from the "No Shellfishing" sign on Pochet Neck to the "No Shellfishing" sign on the opposite shore (Nauset Beach), is CLOSED for the taking of all shellfish. 

CAPE COD BAY

• The Rock Harbor, Namskaket and Little Namskaket Creeks, inside of lines drawn across the mouth of each, are CLOSED for the taking of all shellfish.