The Wareham Harbormaster Department is conducting a contaminated shellfish relay beginning May 31.

The contaminated shellfish will be transplanted to Broad Cove, Agawam Beach and Miller's Cove where they will replenish the stock, and have a chance to cleanse themselves by filtering out contaminants.

Once the relay is over, the areas to which the contaminated shellfish were transplanted will be closed for a minimum of 18 weeks. When the date to reopen nears, the areas will be tested by the Division of Marine Fisheries to determine whether or not they're ready to be reopened to shellfishing.

One thousand bushels harvested from state designated sites will be transported to Wareham.

For further information, contact the Wareham Harbormaster Department at 508-291-3100, ext. 3186.