NJ reopens shellfish beds after weekend storm

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- New Jersey is reopening its shellfish beds that were closed as a precaution during the recent storm.

The state Environmental Protection Department acted protectively to shut down clam and oyster beds last week as the storm intensified, fearing that heavy rains might wash large amounts of pollutants into waterways.

Clams, oysters and mussels are filter feeders that can accumulate harmful bacteria carried into waterways from the land by storm water runoff.

The beds will reopen to commercial and recreational harvesting at sundown on Monday.

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