Indian River Bay Reopens for Shellfish Harvest

Sussex County, DE - The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) has officially reopened Indian River Bay for clamming and shellfish harvesting. This action follows a mandatory 21-day closure.

The restriction was implemented after a wastewater release occurred at the Millsboro sewage system on January 15.

DNREC enforced the emergency closure to adhere to National Shellfish Sanitation Program standards. The sewage spill threatened to impact the water quality of the bay. This closure period was necessary to protect public health.

It also provided time for the natural cleansing of the water and the bivalve shellfish, such as clams and mussels, that inhabit the area.

The DNREC Shellfish Program provided further clarification upon lifting the ban. Officials confirmed that the closure did not impact Rehoboth Bay or the oysters grown there under commercial aquaculture leases.

Furthermore, the harvesting of crabs, conch, and finfish in Indian River Bay was not affected during the closure period.