Following a series of intense storms that deposited over 225 mm of rain on areas of the southern Maritimes, Environment Canada marine water quality monitoring staff acted quickly along with Fisheries and Oceans Canada to put in place emergency shellfish closures.  The closures prohibited shellfish harvesting in several Maritime areas determined to be susceptible to contamination due to storm water run-off.

From September 5th through 10th extreme rainfall in the southern Maritimes overwhelmed municipal stormwater and sewage systems, and carried  contamination from surface runoff over agricultural and other land into adjacent marine waters. Filter-feeding shellfish (such as clams, mussels, oysters) concentrate pathogens and chemical contaminants in their digestive systems which can pose a significant health risk to consumers. 

Environment Canada's responsibilities under the Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program (CSSP) include monitoring bacteriological water quality and assessing sanitary pollution sources affecting shellfish growing areas.  Based on over 40 years of experience monitoring marine waters under various environmental conditions, Environment Canada determined that several areas in the Maritimes were particularly susceptible to contamination caused by the heavy rainfall.  

During the week after the storms, sampling of shellfish by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and of water quality by Environment Canada and the Province of PEI showed that contaminant levels in shellfish were 1-2 orders of magnitude higher than acceptable under CSSP standards.  Sampling of the affected areas continued over the following weeks and once water and shellfish were sufficiently cleansed, areas were gradually re-opened. 

This emergency shellfish closures demonstrate how Environment Canada’s monitoring programs directly benefit the health and safety of Canadians by supporting the integrity of Canada's food safety system,   which protects both domestic consumers as well as maintains the reputation and valuable international trade of Canadian shellfish. 

Contact: Chris Roberts, 902-426-4482, christopher.roberts@ec.gc.ca, Water Quality Monitoring and Surveillance Division