DEC closes range of shellfishing areas

The state Department of Environmental Conservation is closing shellfishing areas in the towns of Hempstead, Oyster Bay, Babylon, Islip and Brookhaven after two days of heavy rain have swamped parts of Long Island.

Excessive rain can lead to stormwater runoff with bacteria and viruses getting into creeks, coves, harbors and bays, possibly making shellfish hazardous to eat.

Harvesting remains prohibited until Tuesday in the following locations:

Hempstead and Oyster Bay (South Shore): Area of South Oyster Bay and its tributaries.

Babylon and Islip: Area of Great South Bay and its tributaries lying west of the northbound span of the Robert Moses Causeway bridge.

Brookhaven (North Shore): All of Mt. Sinai Harbor.

The state will reopen areas as soon as possible based on bacterial counts.

Status of shellfish areas can be checked by calling 631-444-0480.