CBC Maritimes

There has never been a closure of a fishery like this one.
Yesterday, The department of fisheries and Oceans ordered mussel, oyster, clam and quohog harvesters across the Maritimes to stop taking those shellfish out of the water. At least for now. The concern is that last week's heavy rains washed bacteria into the waterways. It's bacteria that could make people sick. Environment Canada is assessing what areas should remained closed, although that could take a few days. The sudden closure has many fishermen furious.

Terry Wilkins is one of those. He digs clams on beaches around Digby. He had to dump his day's work yesterday.  Chris Roberts is the regional head of marine quality monitoring for Environment Canada. It was that department's recommendation that led DFO to impose the ban.    He offers his explanation for why the department recommended the ban.Brian Muise is executive director of the Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia. He offers his thoughts on the ban and the way it has imposed.

Although we've been enjoying a warm and sunny month, our chilly mornings and evenings are a sign that colder days are on their way. Having the kids going back to school may give some of us a little more free time to take a walk around the house to see what needs doing.Our cooling and heating consultant Art Irwin thinks September is the perfect time to prepare for winter's icy blast. He tells us why and answers your questions.