Coastal waters temporarily close to shellfishing

THIS INFORMATION FROM A NEWS RELEASE SENT TO THE WWAY NEWSCHANNEL 3 NEWSROOM

MOREHEAD CITY, NC (NCDENR) -– Upon recommendation of the state health director, the NC Division of Marine Fisheries will temporarily close all coastal waters to shellfish harvesting effective immediately, due to potential impacts of floodwaters on these areas.

The division will begin testing shellfish waters Tuesday and reopen areas as tests show safe bacteria levels. Excessive rainfall, coastal flooding and sanitary sewer overflows may have contaminated these waters.