New Hampshire closed 20 acres of Great Bay to shellfish harvesting for 5 years from November 1

(Image credit: atlanticfishhabitat.org) Oyster reefs play a crucial role in supporting underwater ecosystems, providing shelter to marine species while also maintaining the quality of the surrounding water. In New Hampshire’s Great Bay, efforts to restore these reefs have been announced in recognition of their importance. On October 29, 2026, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department announced that 20 acres of Great Bay would be closed to shellfish harvesting from November 1, 2026, through October 31, 2031. Through this five-year effort, the goal is to continue restoration without disturbance by placing specific sections of the estuary off-limits to shellfish harvesting.This decision has come about in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy and the University of New Hampshire. The closure covers two separate restoration sites, one measuring 5 acres near Woodman Point and another spanning 15 acres near Nannie Island. The existing natural oyster reefs remain open to recreational oyster harvesters.(Image credit: nhfishgame.com)The five-year closure will remain in effect until October 31, 2031. Rather than closing the entire surrounding waterway, the department has restricted harves...