DEC reopens several LI shellfishing spots

The state Department of Environmental Conservation on Thursday reopened several shellfishing locations on Long Island, though most areas remain closed.

DEC closed the areas to shellfishing on Oct. 29 in anticipation of heavy rainfall, stormwater runoff, coastal flooding and power outages brought on by superstorm Sandy.

For updated closures and openings, call 631-444-0480. For more detailed information, call 631-444-0475 during normal business hour.

The following areas are now safe to harvest shellfish, including bay scallops.

Southampton (north shore): All the normally certified shellfish lands in Noyac Bay and the portion of Shelter Island Sound lying southeasterly of a line from Paradise Point on Great Hog Neck (Town of Southold) to Crab Creek Point (Town of Shelter Island).

SEE PHOTOSSandy's impact on Long Island

In addition, shellfishing is banned in the following areas:

SEE PHOTOSAerial views of Sandy damage

Babylon and Islip: All of Great South Bay, including tributaries.

Southampton: All of Quantuck Bay, Quantuck Canal and Shinnecock Bay and all the enclosed creeks, ponds, coves and harbors along the north shore of the Town of Southampton, including Hubbard Creek, Red Creek Pond, Squire Pond, Cold Spring Pond, the Sebonac Creeks, North Sea Harbor, Wooley Pond, Mill Pond and Sag Harbor.

SEE PHOTOSSandy's destruction

Shelter Island: All of Shelter Island Sound lying northerly and easterly of a line from Paradise Point, on Great Hog Neck (Southold), to Crab Creek Point (Shelter Island).