Three Mile Harbor will be closed to shellfishing from Saturday, July 16, through Wednesday, July 20, due to potential contamination from the influx of boaters coming to watch fireworks this weekend, the State Department of Environmental Conservation said.
Shellfish could be contaminated by sewage discharges from the hundreds of recreational boats expected to flock to the harbor for Saturday night’s fireworks show, the DEC said. The agency reminded boaters that they are required to use pump-out facilities throughout Peconic Bay and Gardiners Bay, including in Three Mile Harbor.
No shellfish can be taken from the harbor beginning at sunrise on Saturday. The DEC expects to reopen the harbor on Thursday, July 21. The agency said it has barred shellfishing after the fireworks show for the last 18 years.
The Town Trustees have a pump-out boat, which can be contacted using marine radio VHF channel 73, and the Town Harbormaster’s office has a self-service facility at its office on Gann Road. Both are free.