ShellMAP defines growing areas across the state, each containing a number of harvest areas.
ShellMAP is responsible for the formal closure and opening of harvest areas, which may be triggered by the level of environmental risk identified through ShellMAP monitoring and sampling activities.
There are currently 30 ShellMAP growing areas, containing 50 harvest areas.
Current harvest status
ShellMAP occasionally closes growing areas for short periods of time due to environmental conditions, such as heavy rainfall and toxic algal blooms. During these periods, harvesting is not permitted, under the Primary Produce Safety (Seafood) Regulations 2014.
Current harvesting status of growing areas is outlined in the current classification notice.
The classification notice takes effect on the date of issue, and revokes and replaces all previous classification notices. It remains in force until it is revoked.
Read the current classification notice.
Revoked classification notices
Revoked classification notices are archived as monthly collections. If an individual document is required, please contact the ShellMAP Regulatory Services team with a month and notice number.
Growing area management plans
The ShellMAP - Harvest Area Management Plan Guidelines outlines ShellMAP's typical shellfish harvest area management practices to ensure regulated shellfish are safe for consumption and meet market access requirements.
ShellMAP - Harvest Area Management Guidelines (PDF 1Mb)
These guidelines are indicative only, and ShellMAP may implement alternative management measures where necessary to mitigate food safety risks within a harvest area. The guidelines apply to all regulated ShellMAP harvest areas throughout the State.
In addition to the Harvest Area Management Plan Guidelines, each growing area has an individual harvest area management plan. This document contains the management criteria used for decisions on opening and closing growing areas. Management criteria are established using data collected and analysed according to Australian Shellfish Quality Assurance Program (ASQAP) Guidelines. These management criteria are reviewed annually as a part of the Annual and Triennial review process, to ensure criteria continue to meet food safety requirements.
Find and download a management plan within the following council areas:
Huon Council
Latrobe Council