Patrick Requests Disaster Aid For Shellfishermen
BOSTON (WBZ) ― Gov. Deval Patrick is requesting federal disaster aid for shellfishermen hurt by this year’s red tide outbreaks.
Between April and July, high levels of the toxic algae closed more than 600,000 acres of shellfish areas between the North Shore and Cape Cod.
The state estimates an overall economic loss of $7 million, which has affected about 1,100 commercial shellfish harvesters.
Patrick on Friday asked the U.S. Department of Commerce to declare a commercial fishery failure.
That would make the shellfishing industry eligible for federal disaster assistance. Patrick said the money is needed to prevent a local collapse of the industry.
Red tide algae, also known as paralytic shellfish poison, doesn’t hurt shellfish, but it can harm humans who eat shellfish that have absorbed it.
It’s a naturally occurring biotoxin caused by an algae that makes shellfish unsafe to eat.
Learn more about red tide and this year’s harvest restrictions
(© 2008 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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