The state Department of Environmental Conservation Wednesday banned shellfish harvesting on 7,500 acres covering Lloyd Harbor, Coast Guard Cove and Huntington Bay in Huntington Town after a marine biotoxin was discovered.

The taking of conchs, whelks, moon snails and other carnivorous gastropods in shellfishing lands in Huntington Harbor not certified by the state is also banned.

Before this latest ban, the state agency has closed more than 6,600 acres across Long Island to shellfishing since April 10 after finding saxitoxin, a marine organism that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning and can be fatal to humans in high doses.

Harvesting areas in Southampton and Riverhead have also been impacted.

The DEC will monitor water samples and reopen shellfishing lands as soon as possible, officials said.

To find out the status of shellfish areas, call 631-444-0480.

The test represents the latest effort to combat Lyme, the most common tick-borne disease in the United States. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa spoke with local experts on what you can do to prevent this disease. Credit: Newsday Studios; File Footage

'You have to check your entire body' The test represents the latest effort to combat Lyme, the most common tick-borne disease in the United States. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa spoke with local experts on what you can do to prevent this disease.

The test represents the latest effort to combat Lyme, the most common tick-borne disease in the United States. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa spoke with local experts on what you can do to prevent this disease. Credit: Newsday Studios; File Footage

'You have to check your entire body' The test represents the latest effort to combat Lyme, the most common tick-borne disease in the United States. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa spoke with local experts on what you can do to prevent this disease.

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