Sengekontacket Pond is closed to shellfishing until at least Thursday, August 4 because of weekend rainfall.

In an alert on their website, the Oak Bluffs shellfish department said the closure was triggered by rain received on Friday, July 29. Saltwater ponds are required by the state to close to shellfishing for several days after heavy rain because pollutants can be washed into the pond from roads and other sources, like waterfowl.

Red flags fly at both Sengekontacket bridges when the pond is closed to shellfishing. Oak Bluffs Harbor is also closed for shellfishing; Lagoon Pond is open for quahaugs and soft-shell clams.