Portions Of Wye River Closed To Shellfish Havesting Due To Bacteria Levels
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) closed portions of the Wye River in Queen Anne's and Talbot Counties to shellfish harvesting due to unacceptable bacteria levels.
Although a shoreline survey revealed no direct pollution sources for the bacteria contamination, the MDE will continue to investigate potential pollution sources and monitor shellfish water quality. Once the bacteria levels improve, MDE will reopen them to harvesting. At this time, officials say the closure is necessary in order to protect public health. Once the bacteria levels improve, the MDE will reopen the river to harvesting.
The areas that have been closed include parts of the Wye East River, Wye Narrows and the main stem of the Wye River.
The closure will impact oysters and clams only and does not apply to swimming, fishing or crabbing in these areas.
