No Clams, No Clambake at VFW

Hurricane Irene can claim one more event cancellation.

The in Morris Plains had to cancel its upcoming clambake, which was scheduled for Sat., Sept. 10. You just can't have a clambake without clams.

A ban was instituted on shellfish from New Jersey waters on August 27, the day before Irene hit. The ban continues until further notice.

According to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, commercial, and recreational harvesters, as well as certified shellfish dealers, are restricted from distributing or consuming shellfish from the state’s closed shellfish beds because of the threat of bacteria borne illness.

"This is an annual event that's been going on for many years. It is disappointing. The clam beds along the east coast are closed," said Al Ficco, secretary of the men's auxiliary for VFW Post 3401 .

Because of the excessive run off and disturbances in NJ ocean waters and estuaries caused by hurricane Irene, bacteria levels have exceeded the federal criteria allowed. Clams, mussels and oysters are filter feeders that can accumulate harmful amounts of bacteria.

There are about 720,000 acres of shellfish beds in the state and the DEP will continue to test waters at the beds across New Jersey. Once the water testing meets the federal standard, a minimum of seven days must pass before the shellfish tissue is tested. This is to ensure no bacteria are present in the shellfish. This process verifies that bacteria have had a chance to be flushed from the shellfish, through their own natural processes.

The DEP monitors, classifies and enforces shellfish regulations. They collaborate with the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services and U.S. Food and Drug Administration to confirm that shellfish are safely harvested in state waters.

So it appears that if you’re getting shellfish this weekend, you can be pretty sure it had to pass all the testing and is probably from an out-of-state source.