New Hampshire Shellfish Program

To ensure the protection of public health, the Shellfish Program
maintains a number of monitoring programs. The Ambient Monitoring program
involves regular collection of water quality samples from over 75 locations in
the tidal waters of the state. The "Red Tide" Monitoring program involves the
weekly collection of blue mussels from two sites (April through October) to
check the levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) toxin in shellfish meats.
Shellfish staff assist with the GulfWatch program, which monitors the levels of
toxic substances in blue mussels on an annual basis. Finally, the Shellfish
Program conducts Sanitary Surveys of shellfish growing areas. These surveys,
which are required in order to open shellfish beds for harvesting, involve a
variety of activities including pollution source surveys, general water quality
monitoring, and hydrographic, meteorological, and other studies.

In the State of New Hampshire, the management of shellfish sanitation,
harvesting, and resource health is divided among three state agencies. DES is
responsible for determining which growing areas are safe, and which are unsafe,
for human consumption. The Fish and Game Department is responsible for issuing
harvesting licenses, managing the shellfish resources, and enforcing the
open/closed decisions made by DES. The Department of Health of Human Services
regulates various aspects of the commercial shellfish industry, including
shucking, packing, shipping, etc. DES works closely not only with FandG and
DHHS, but also with a number of other organizations including the NH Coastal
Program, the NH Estuaries Project, the University of New Hampshire/Jackson
Estuarine Laboratory, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Great
Bay Coast Watch. DES has also formed partnerships with the private sector,
including FPL Energy Seabrook Station and the Isles of Shoals Steamship
Company.

Harvesting Regulations
How to Dig Softshell Clams
How to Help Improve Oyster Beds
Open/Closed Areas
Tide Charts
Weekly Open/Closed Status

Monitoring Programs
-Bacteria
-PSP/Red Tide
-GulfWatch
-Pollution Sources

Maps: Open/Closed Areas