As of September 22, the entire Apponagansett Bay and Padanaram Harbor areas are closed to shellfishing.

The Division of Marine Fisheries determined that the bay's water quality has slipped below the criteria necessary for open shellfishing, following a water quality test on September 20.

"The recent rainfall was not as kind to the waterways as it was to the grass and crops," said Harbormaster Steve Melo.

He explained that the more than two inches of rain causes runoff that carries fertilizers and other pollutants into waterways. "It basically carries the nitrogen with it that causes the pollution. It also carries bacteria with it. Think about septic systems," he said.

He explained that both Buttonwood Brook and the recent drought also contributed to the high pollution levels.

Buttonwood Brook runs from the zoo, across several neighborhoods, and dumps into the bay with all those pollutants, explained Melo. Storm drains empty sediment and trash from the streets into the water, he said.

The drought has resulted in a hard, dry earth that doesn't absorb rain water as easily, resulting in more runoff, explained Melo. "A normal rainfall might have diluted it a bit," he said.

Consequently, digging, harvesting or collecting, and/or attempting to dig, harvest or collect shellfish and the possession of shellfish from the defined areas are prohibited. Taking, selling or possession of shellfish from the defined area is also prohibited. This will remain in effect until further notice from the state.

All areas north of the bridge have been closed since June 1 as part of the state's routine, seasonal closure.

Areas south of Padanaram Harbor and south of the Slocum and Little River closures remain open to harvesting, said Melo. He added that, dependent on rainfall this week, the state may retest waterways on September 29.