Sengekontacket Pond has been closed to shellfishing for another summer, Edgartown selectmen announced at their weekly meeting on Monday.

In a letter to the selectmen, town shellfish constable Paul Bagnall said he learned of the closure from the state Division of Marine Fisheries at a meeting in New Bedford last week. Mr. Bagnall said state officials have decided they need more data to determine whether rainfall closures will be necessary on the pond. The pond which spans two towns has been closed on and off to summer shellfishing since 2007 due to fluctuating bacteria levels. The closure affects Oak Bluffs as well.

In his letter Mr. Bagnall said he requested that small areas be opened in both towns near the big bridge, but the request was denied.

Selectmen were less than pleased. “This all ties into the Massachusetts Estuaries study project, which we pay for, which causes us nothing but problems,” said selectman and board chairman Arthur Smadbeck.