State Halts Oyster and Clam Harvesting in Some Spots Due to High Bacteria Levels

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Rising levels of bacteria have prompted the state to put some oysters and clams off limits for harvesting.

WJZ's Alex DeMetrick reports that 1,200 acres of waterways in the Rhode River in Anne Arundel County and Harris Creek in Talbot County have been closed to both clamming and oystering.

Because oysters and clams filter the water to feed off nutrients, they're also taking in those higher levels of bacteria.

"At this time, we're not sure exactly what the cause of the bacteria levels could be," said Lee Currey, of the Maryland Department of Environment. "Usually, bacteria in any water bodies can come from either a human source, or a pet source or an animal source."

Sometimes it can be waste from a heavy concentration of waterfowl. In the past, bacteria levels have risen so high, beaches have been closed to swimming.

That's not the case this time.

"The Rhode River is not closed for swimming, so it's still open for recreational activities," Currey said.

Because oyster season is over, economic impacts from the closures are expected to be minimal.

Testing next fall will determine if closed areas will re-open before the harvest begins.

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