PEI

How to follow the rules when gathering P.E.I. shellfish

The P.E.I. government has issued a reminder for tourists and Islanders: follow the rules if you want to gather shellfish from the shore.

Looking for some oysters? Go to the seafood counter

Rick Mercer enjoyed digging for bar clams during a visit to P.E.I. last fall. (CBC)

The P.E.I. government has issued a reminder for tourists and Islanders: follow the rules if you want to gather shellfish from the shore.

The rules are in place to protect both the environment and commercial fisheries.

Only certain shellfish may be gathered on P.E.I.:

  • Soft-shell clam.
  • Bar clam.
  • Quahaug.
  • Mussel.
  • Razor clam.
  • Scallop.

The list does not include oysters. Quahaugs may not be harvested from the East Hillsborough River.

Watch out for signs like this, indicating that an area is closed for shellfish harvesting.

The province also warns people to watch out for signs that a fishing area is closed, which are sometimes posted because the shellfish may not be safe to eat.

A complete list of the rules for the recreational fishery is available on the Department of Fisheries website.