Update 20 April 2020 – we have lifted the temporary closure notice for the Lyme Bay Razor Clam bed and the bed has been reopened. The closure for the Fleet Oyster farm remains in place until further notice.
Due to Covid-19, Dorset Council are unable to access samples for the purpose of monitoring marine biotoxins, phytoplankton and E-coli. In the interest of protecting public health, Dorset Council, in line with advice from the Food Standards Agency, have taken the decision to temporarily close the following classified shellfish beds.
| Classification area | Species | Area classification |
| Lyme Bay – SY66577393 | Razor Clams (Ensis Spp) | Class A |
| Fleet Oyster Farm– SY66477627 | Pacific Oysters – (Crassostrea Gigas) | Class B |
Collection of affected animals from an area which is temporarily closed amounts to the commission of a criminal offence under regulation 19 of the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 S.I. 2013 No 2996. On conviction, a fine or imprisonment for a term of up to two years or both might be imposed.
As there might be a risk to health, private individuals are strongly advised not to gather shellfish, specified above, from these areas for their own consumption.
Dorset Council will keep its decision to close the area under review and intend to reopen the bed as soon as circumstances allow.
