MONT-JOLI, Que. — The Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans has issued a temporary ban on the harvesting of oysters, mussels, clams and quahogs in eastern P.E.I.

According to CBC News, the ban stems from concerns that runoff from heavy rain could contaminate shellfish and pose a risk when consumed. “Analyses are currently underway to determine shellfish safety in these areas,” reads a statement from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND — Chef Michael Smith has launched a new TV show to inspire families to adopt a healthy-eating lifestyle.

Referring to the debut of the show as a “red-letter day” on his Twitter feed yesterday, Smith summed up his passion for the launch with the following tweet: “Three years of development, two years of production, two months of shooting, two months of editing, a world debut, very excited! Big thanks to my team!”

Filmed in his home kitchen, Chef Michael’s Kitchen will follow the toque as he encourages viewers to learn the basics of healthy local flavours before revealing a twist on the dish of the day. For example, he might take flavours of Mexico and Hungary for inspiration to create ancho chilli mac ’n’ cheese, and Hungarian goulash with spätzle.

Chef Michael’s Kitchen is broadcast on Food Network Canada, Mondays at 8 am, 11 am and 6 pm; Wednesdays at 7 pm; Thursdays at 8:30 am and 11:30 am EST.

HOWARD’S COVE, P.E.I. — Following a late and controversial start to the lobster season in New Brunswick, fishermen in P.E.I are concerned about low lobster prices that have cut the value of catch in half, reports CBC News.

“It’s quite the slap in the face. It's really discouraging to think something that you want to do, and an industry that's a big industry on the Island, [is] not working,” said Stephen Ramsay, who fishes off Howard's Cove in P.E.I.

The government has asked some P.E.I. farmers to stop irrigating their crops with nearby rivers and streams due to dry weather, reports CBC News.

While the Environment Department is trying to protect the fish habitat in the streams, about 25 farmers that have permits to use streams and rivers to irrigate their fields are concerned they will lose half of their crop.