The Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announce the closure of recreational and commercial mussel harvesting from Tillamook Head (just north of Cannon Beach) to Cascade Head (just north of Lincoln City). The closure is due to elevated levels of paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) and includes mussels on all beaches, rocks, jetties, and bay entrances in this section of the coast. Mussel harvesting remains open along the Oregon coast at the Columbia River and from Cascade Head south to the California border. Coastal scallops are not affected by the closure when only the adductor muscle is eaten. The consumption of whole recreationally harvested scallops is not recommended. Crab and bay clams are also not affected by any current closure and are safe to eat. Commercial shellfish products remain safe for consumers. PST is produced by algae and originate in the ocean. ODA will continue to test for shellfish toxins, as tides permit. Reopening of an area requires two consecutive tests in the safe range. For more information, call ODA’s shellfish safety information hotline at (800) 448-2474 or visit the ODA Shellfish Closures webpage at: http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/programs/FoodSafety/Shellfish/Pages/ShellfishClosures.aspx
