Harvesting shellfish in Atlantic Canada

Match the shellfish and colour them

Description for photo - Match the shellfish and colour them

An activity involving colouring and matching photos of shellfish.

Did you know

Harvesting shellfish is a popular commercial and recreational activity in Atlantic Canada.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) works with other federal government departments to monitor and ensure the safety and quality of shellfish harvested and sold in Canada.

CFIA monitoring of harvest areas includes testing for bacteria and toxin levels in shellfish. The majority of shellfish tested by the CFIA are bivalve molluscs such as mussels, clams, scallops, and oysters.

Bivalve molluscs are filter feeders and are highly sensitive to their aquatic environment. If the water they live in is contaminated with bacteria, toxic algae or chemical pollutants, these substances will accumulate in their fresh and make them unsafe to eat.

Check before you harvest! Make sure the area where you plan to harvest shellfish is open. When an area is officially "closed" due to high bacteria or toxin levels, it is both illegal and unsafe to harvest shellfish from that area.

Crossword

Description for photo - Crossword

A crossword puzzle featuring five words relating to harvesting shellfish in Atlantic Canada.

Down

1. What is the activity of collecting shellfish?

3. Mussels and oysters are both examples of this type of mollusc.

Across

2. What is one of the things the CFIA tests shellfish for to make sure they are safe to eat?

4. Shellfish are sensitive to their ____________.

5. It is illegal to harvest shellfish from an area that is ____________.

Crossword answers

Enjoy safe shellfish - it's important to harvest, store, handle and prepare shellfish appropriately to help prevent illness.