Recent years have been tough for Maine shellfishermen, who have faced frequent closures due to red tide. Now area shellfishermen are facing a new closure, but this one is due to the state's failure to conduct shoreline sanitary surveys … for 12 years.

The Maine Department of Marine Resources announced on Tuesday that, effective immediately, it is unlawful to dig, take or possess any clams, quahogs, oysters or mussels taken from the shores, flats and waters within the following described area:

The area from Cod Cove to Pottle Cove and Cushman Cove is now "Prohibited." The Conditionally Approved area in Pottle Cove was reclassified to "Prohibited" due to declining water quality. The remaining reclassifications in the area are due to a lack of a recent shoreline survey (a survey has not been conducted for at least 12 years).

The areas from Chewonki Neck to Foxbird Island AND Oak Island have all been reclassified from "Approved" to "Prohibited" due to a lack of a recent shoreline survey (a survey has not been conducted for at least 12 years).

All of Parsons Creek, Cross River, Back River (Edgecomb and Boothbay), and most of the Sheepscot River, from Cross Pt (Edgecomb) to Indiantown Island (Boothbay Harbor) have been reclassified from "Approved" to "Prohibited" due to a lack of a recent shoreline survey (a survey has not been conducted for at least 12 years).

An area in Ebenecook Harbor (Southport) and around Salter Island (Georgetown) have been reclassified from "Approved" to "Prohibited" due to a lack of a recent shoreline survey (a survey has not been conducted for at least 12 years).

Deputy Commissioner David Etnier said on Tuesday that lack of staffing had precluded DMR from completing the shoreline survey, which must only be done every 12 years to comply with Food and Drug Administration regulations. Etnier said that DMR had informed the Wiscasset shellfish committee in September about the need to complete the survey and requested their unpaid assistance in the task. Etnier said that DMR is hoping to rally volunteers from within the community and DMR to accomplish the survey. No time frame is currently available.