The state Division of Marine Fisheries has closed Menemsha Pond to shellfishing following the fire on Monday that destroyed the U.S. Coast Guard boathouse in Menemsha.

Michael Hickey, senior shellfish biologist, said Wednesday afternoon the pond was closed Tuesday morning as a precautionary measure. The concern is not bacteria, he said. “The concern is hydrocarbons, all the charred materials that were floating around, the creosote debris, the close to a dozen boats damaged. We are still trying to determine what may have gotten into the water,” Mr. Hickey said.

“We are talking to DEP [the state Department of Environmental Protection], waiting to hear from them on how bad this is. We don’t know what to sample for . . . This is more precautionary,” he added. The closure affects all shellfishing, including quahaugging and oystering.

Jeff Lynch, assistant Chilmark shellfish constable, said oil containment booms had been put in place around the area of the fire to isolate any materials in the water, and also to protect both Menemsha and Squibnocket Ponds. “This is something to do, better than nothing,” Mr. Lynch said.