New Hampshire Passes Oyster Restoration Legislation

CONCORD, N.H. – Gov. Maggie Hassan has signed into law a bill that would allow the Fish and Game Department to close clam, oyster and other bivalve areas for restoration efforts in the Great Bay.

New Hampshire's Great Bay Estuary

Hassan said Monday the measure will help ensure the sustainability of shellfish restoration projects and the ecological and water-quality benefits they provide.

The measure requires any such closure be preceded by a public hearing, be limited to 50 acres, and be for a period of not more than five years.

Great Bay is in the Gulf of Maine watershed.