UPDATED: DNREC Reopens Indian River Bay to Harvest of Bivalve Shellfish
UPDATED – 02/06/26 – DNREC has reopened the Indian River Bay to clamming and shellfish harvest after a mandatory 21-day closure that followed a Jan. 15 wastewater release from the town of Millsboro’s sewage system.
The emergency closure was enforced by DNREC under National Shellfish Sanitation Program requirements when the sewage spill threatened to impact the bay. The closure period was protective of public health and also allowed time for natural cleansing of both bivalve shellfish and areas of the Indian River Bay that the clams and mussels inhabit.
In lifting the closure, the DNREC Shellfish Program reiterated today that the Indian River Bay closure did not impact Rehoboth Bay, particularly the oysters grown there under commercial aquaculture leases. The harvest of crabs, conch and finfish in the Indian River Bay was not affected by the closure.
More information about closures and the DNREC Shellfish Program is available on the de.gov/shellfish webpage.
======================================================================
UPDATED – 01/21/26 – The Town of Millsboro is responding to a sanitary sewer overflow discovered during routine maintenance near the wastewater treatment plant. An estimated 25,000 gallons of wastewater entered nearby marshland leading toward the Indian River due to a broken sewer pipe. Town officials say crews quickly implemented bypass pumping to stop further release, maintain service, and begin cleanup, which will continue until repairs are completed. As a result of the ongoing sewer release issue, DNREC has closed Indian River Bay to the harvest of bivalve shellfish, including clams and mussels, to protect public health. The closure will remain in effect for a minimum of 21 days after the discharge has ended, with DNREC expected to provide updates and a reopening timeline once conditions are deemed safe.
======================================================================
ORIGINAL STORY – 01/16/26 – DNREC has issued an emergency closure of the Indian River Bay to the harvesting of bivalve shellfish – including clams and mussels. This comes after DNREC received notice of an on-going sewage release connected to the Town of Millsboro’s sewer system that is affecting the Indian River – and may impact the bay. The closure period will not end until 21 days after the discharge has been confirmed to have ended – however the discharge is currently occurring.
The harvest of crabs, conch and finfish is not affected and the closure does not affect Rehoboth Bay.
DNREC also advises water users to limit water contact in Indian River Bay and nearby waters for the next few days.
Additional information from DNREC:
Under National Shellfish Sanitation Program requirements, waters must be closed to bivalve shellfish harvest for 21 days following the end of the release to protect public health and allow time for natural cleansing. Because the release is currently ongoing, the 21-day closure period will begin once DNREC confirms the discharge has ended. DNREC will provide an update and reopening date when available.
This closure does not affect Rehoboth Bay. Oysters grown under commercial aquaculture leases in Rehoboth Bay are not affected by the Indian River Bay closure and remain suitable for raw consumption by healthy individuals. (Recreational oyster harvesting is not permitted in Delaware to protect oyster populations.)
As an added precaution, DNREC advises water users to limit water contact in Indian River Bay and nearby waters for the next few days, particularly in areas potentially affected by the discharge.
Delaware Natural Resources Police will patrol the area and help inform the public about the closure. DNREC will also notify any affected commercial aquaculture leaseholders.
More information about closures and the DNREC Shellfish Program is available at de.gov/shellfish.