Community Corner

State Warns Clammers to Tread Carefully with Local Shellfish

The state Bureau of Aquaculture has released shellfish harvesting guidelines that shoreline residents should follow this summer to avoid illness.

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Shellfish lovers take note! The state's Bureau of Aquaculture has released a new safety plan that clammers should follow while harvesting those delectable treats this summer. 

For shellfish harvested from now through September 30, 2013:

  • Shellfish should be shaded from direct sunlight while in the boat and during transport.
  • Shellfish should be placed under ice as soon as possible.
The guidelines protect shellfish consumers from the Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacterium, which can cause diarrhea, vomiting, headache and more, TheDay.com reports.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is present in brackish water and is more of a threat due to warming of southeastern Connecticut shoreline waters over the last few years, according to The Day.

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