State DEC Lifts Ban on Shellfishing in Flanders Bay

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has reopened shellfishing areas in Flanders Bay and across Long Island, after tests for bacteria in the water came back clean, according to a statement issued today.

Shellfishing in the area was temporarily banned on Monday after last weekend's heavy rains increased the potential for hazardous storm runoff, which could have contained bacteria and viruses, making shellfish unhealthy to eat.

The normal fishing areas in Flanders Bay are open effective immediately, the statement continued. Only two locations in Hempstead Harbor did not pass the tests and will remain closed through Aug. 22.