Red tide decimates E. Canada clam harvest

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, July 16 (UPI) -- Three-quarters of Nova Scotia's clam fishing beds are closed because of a red tide algae bloom that makes shellfish toxic.

The federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans ordered the closure of recreational and commercial harvesting of clams, oysters, mussels, scallops, quahogs and whelks because of the algae bloom, The Chronicle-Herald newspaper in Halifax reported Thursday.

Scientifically known as a "harmful algae bloom," the event discolors the water and depletes it of oxygen, which in turn creates a toxin in marine life that can cause paralysis or death in humans who consume it.

Commercial clam harvester Ken Weir told the newspaper some 280 licensed clam fishermen are affected by the "devastating" closure, further damaging the $9 million industry.

"We can't recover from stuff like this," he said. "We're left with either welfare or starving to death."

The clam and shellfish industry in the province is also facing 20-year lows in prices, with soft shell clams selling for between 80 cents and $1 per pound, the report said.