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SHELLFISH & INTERTIDAL ASSESSMENTS

In May of 1997 Eastern Charlotte Waterways, in conjunction with Environmental Protection, began the long process of acquiring, training and maintaining a staff member dedicated to bacterial monitoring of coastal waters as they pertain to shellfish closures along the coastal zone of Southwestern New Brunswick.

 
In November of 1997 the Southwestern New Brunswick Clam Resource Committee was formed. Chaired by ECW the committee creates one voice for the clam harvesters and brings all relative departments to the table for discussions pertaining to the future of the soft-shell clam harvest.

To date intertidal assessments pertaining to shellfish growing areas have taken place in the L'Etang, Digdeguash, Woodwards Cove and Grand Harbour. There is a proposal submitted to establish a microbiology lab in Charlotte County and another to develop and cooperative bacterial monitoring program for Southwestern New Brunswick.

July, 1998: Due to the combined efforts of community, government and industry Chamcook, New Brunswick is now classified as a conditional opening. Soft-shell clam
harvesting can take place with routine monitoring of the water and meats. 

The primary areas of concern regarding pollutants affecting ECW's coastal water areas include
effluents from the following sources:

Fish processors

Paper mills

Aquaculture

Waste treatment facilities

Improper residential septic systems.
 

Although monitoring is accomplished for all of these pollutants more stringent guidelines for allowable effluent discharges in industry have yet to be accomplished.

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If you would like to add your name to our newsletter mailing list or if you have a question or comment please e-mail us at ecwinc@nbnet.nb.ca , give us a call at (506) 755-6001 or drop in the office at 17 Main Street , St. George, New Brunswick.