With the change of water quality in Wareham comes a change in recreational shellfishing.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries determined that the digging, harvesting and collecting of shellfish has been prohibited in two parts of town.

A small area of Buttermilk Bay, located in the northwestern corner of the bay and at the entrance of Red Brook River, is closed to shellfishing. Residents will notice "No Shellfishing" signs in the area.

Most of the Weweantic River is closed off as well. The changes are effective from June 1 to September 30.

These areas "no longer meet the established criteria for the harvest of shellfish due to seasonal water quality changes," according to the Division of Marine Fisheries.

According to Wareham Harbormaster Garry Buckminster, these closures are nothing new.

"This seasonal closure has been in effect for numerous years," he said regarding the Weweantic closure.

Any attempt to dig, harvest, or collect shellfish is also prohibited.

For more information, please see the Buckminster's post regarding the closings here.