PORTLAND, Maine (AP) -- The federal government says shellfish closures linked to red tide in waters off Maine Massachusetts and New Hampshire have caused a commercial fishery failure, a designation that opens the door to federal disaster assistance to the industry.The announcement Friday by Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez comes in response to a request two months ago by Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick.
Shellfish closures arising from the toxic algae bloom began in May in waters off Massachusetts and spread north to New Hampshire and Maine. The closings bar the harvest of clams, mussels, oysters and other shellfish where red tide has been detected.
Officials say some closings have been lifted, but many areas still remain off-limits to harvesting.
Read More
