P.E.I. fishermen say government emails and web postings don't compare to flags in the water when it comes to warning them about high bacteria levels in shellfish.

'It's a question of probably a few months before we end up with an acceptable tool and reliable enough so we can put that online.'— Frederic Butruille, DFO

The shellfishery in Charlottetown Harbour was closed on several occasions this summer when heavy rains caused the sewer system to overflow, creating high bacteria levels. Fishermen complained they weren't getting adequate warning of the closures, which would enable them to harvest oysters and mussels ahead of the storm.

As Hurricane Earl made its way toward the Maritimes last month, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency emailed people in the shellfish industry. It warned the storm could bring heavy rains and lead to closures.

John White, a policy officer with CFIA, told CBC News this was the last time such a warning would be issued. CFIA is opting for posting a notice on its website telling the industry that fishers are responsible for checking the forecast.

"Environment Canada issues certain times, under certain conditions, what's known as a heavy rainfall notice," said White.

"That's just a heads-up that the [Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program] partners will be paying particular attention to what's going to happen over the next 24 to 48 hours and that they should be watching as well."

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans had been sending automated messages to 600 people when there was a closure after a heavy rain, but that system crashed in June. Since then, messages have been going out manually.

"I would say the system will come back eventually," said DFO spokesman Frederic Butruille.

"It's a question of probably a few months before we end up with an acceptable tool and reliable enough so we can put that online."

But the P.E.I. Shellfish Association says neither system is ideal, because many of its members don't have internet service.

The group suggests putting yellow warning flags in the water when there's a possible closure and a red one when the fishery is shut down.