List of areas in Massachusetts close for harvesting shellfish, snails due to “Red Tide”

Due to Paralytic Shellfish Poison toxin (also known as “Red Tide”) in shellfish, the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries has closed for harvest softshell clams and razor clams in shellfish growing areas N1 through N28, and ALL shellfish and carnivorous snails in areas MB1 through MB14.

Paralytic shellfish poisoning is a serious illness caused by eating shellfish contaminated with algae that contains Paralytic Shellfish Toxin, a toxin harmful to humans. This toxin is extremely poisonous; as little as one milligram (0.000035 ounce) is enough to kill an adult.

Early symptoms include tingling of the lips and tongue, which may begin within minutes of eating poisonous shellfish or may take an hour or two to develop. Depending upon the amount of toxin a person has ingested, symptoms may progress to tingling of fingers and toes and then loss of control of arms and legs, followed by difficulty in breathing. Some people have experienced a sense of floating or nausea. If a person consumes enough poison, muscles of the chest and abdomen become paralyzed. Death can result in as little as two hours, as muscles used for breathing become paralyzed.

The below areas are now closed to shellfishing. Digging, harvesting or collecting, and/or attempting to dig, harvest or collect and the possession of softshell and razor clams in shellfish growing areas N1 through N28, and ALL shellfish and carnivorous snails in areas MB1 through MB14 is prohibited.

These areas will remain closed until further notice.

AREAS CLOSED TO THE HARVEST OF SOFTSHELL CLAMS ANDRAZOR CLAMS
The waters, flats, and tributaries in shellfish growing areas N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, N6, N7, N8, N9, N10, N11, N12, N13, N14,N15, N16, N17, N18, N19, N20, N21, N22, N23, N24, N25, N26, N27, and N28in the cities and towns of Amesbury, Beverly, Boston, Danvers, Essex, Gloucester, Ipswich, Lynn, Manchester-by-the-sea, Marblehead, Nahant, Newbury, Newburyport, Peabody, Revere, Rockport, Rowley, Salem, Salisbury, Saugus, Swampscott, Winthrop and marine waters managed by the Commonwealth.

AREAS CLOSED TO THE HARVEST OF ALL SHELLFISH AND CARNIVOROUS SNAILS
The waters, flats and tributaries in shellfish growing areas MB1, MB2, MB3, MB4, MB5, MB6, MB7, MB8, MB9, MB10, MB11, MB12, MB13, and MB14 in the cities and towns of Boston, Cohasset, Duxbury, Hull, Marshfield, Plymouth, Scituate, and marine waters managed by the Commonwealth.