(10/P20) TRENTON -The Department of Environmental Protection today lifted a temporary ban on shellfish harvesting in the waters of Raritan Bay, Sandy Hook Bay, the Navesink River and the Shrewsbury River, closed on March 17 because of pollution from a heavy rainfall during a nor’easter.

The DEP’s latest sampling of shellfish determined the waters are safe for harvesting to resume.

The reopening of these waters is effective Saturday, March 27.

Advanced testing procedures now enable the DEP to safely reopen waters more swiftly, allowing baymen to return to their harvesting work sooner than had been previously possible.

Attached is the official notice that revokes the emergency closure.

Attachment: Revocation of Shellfish Bed Closure (pdf)