Business & Tech
Sengekontacket Closed to Shellfishing
Recent heavy rainfall mandated the closure of the saltwater pond shared by Oak Bluffs and Edgartown.
Clamming is banned throughout Sengekontacket Pond until at least next Wednesday, July 17, according to an announcement on the Town of Oak Bluffs website:
Due to the rainfall received on Thursday, July 11th, ALL of Sengekontacket Pond is CLOSED for shellfishing until at least Wednesday, July 17th. Please check back then for update.
In past years, according to a Martha's Vineyard Times report, Sengekontacket has been closed to shellfishing all summer, with 2012 the first in five years when the pond was open to clammers except after rain.
The closures are mandatory because rain washes animal excrement into the pond, increasing harmful bacteria that are absorbed by shellfish which then become contaminated and can seriously sicken those who eat them, the Times reports.
Don't miss a thing: Follow Martha's Vineyard Patch on Twitter | Like Martha's Vineyard Patch on Facebook | Sign up for the daily email with links to the latest news | Got something to say? Start a blog and share your views.
The closures are mandatory because rain washes animal excrement into the pond, increasing harmful bacteria that are absorbed by shellfish which then become contaminated and can seriously sicken those who eat them, the Times reports.
Don't miss a thing: Follow Martha's Vineyard Patch on Twitter | Like Martha's Vineyard Patch on Facebook | Sign up for the daily email with links to the latest news | Got something to say? Start a blog and share your views.
We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here