Red tide closure
Fisheries and Oceans Canada has extended its closure of harvesting shellfish due to unacceptable levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP). Effective immediately, Subareas 15-1 to 15-3 and 16-22 are closed to all bivalve shellfish, except manila, littleneck and horse clams, oysters, mussels and geoducks. Subarea 15-5 is closed to all bivalve shellfish except manila and littleneck clams, oysters and mussels. The balance of Area 15 is closed to all bivalve shellfish.
Subareas 16-5 to 16-9, 16-12 and 16-13 are closed to butter and horse clams, scallops and geoducks. The balance of Area 16 is closed to all bivalve shellfish.
PSP, also known as red tide, can harmfully affect anyone consuming shellfish. Cooking does not destroy the PSP toxin.
Harvesters are strongly urged to contact their local Fisheries and Oceans Canada office for updates. In Powell River, the number is 604.485.7963. Detailed information can be found online.
Motorcyclist accident
Highway 101 was closed on the morning of Sunday, May 26, after a motorcyclist lost control of his bike. The 19-year-old rider was heading north on Highway 101 when he failed to negotiate a righthand curve near Old Mine Road.
Powell River emergency crews responded to the accident after receiving a report at approximately 10:45 am.
The rider was flown directly to Vancouver General Hospital, where he is currently in critical condition.
An RCMP collision analyst was called to the scene to assist with the investigation. The accident is still under investigation to determine the cause, but speed is believed to be a factor.
