Mussel harvesting closure extended along Oregon Coast, May 25

The Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife have extended the closure of all mussel harvesting from the Columbia River to Gold Beach on the southern Oregon Coast. The extension of 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 from Gold Beach to the California border. Meanwhile, two other shellfish closures remain in effect because of elevated levels of domoic acid. All shellfish harvesting is closed from the Columbia River to Tillamook Head, south of Seaside on the north Oregon Coast. In addition, all razor clamming is closed for the entire Oregon Coast. The harvest of bay clams is open from Tillamook Head south to the California border. This does not include razor clams. Coastal scallops are not affected by these closures when only the adductor muscle is eaten. The consumption of whole recreational scallops is not recommended. Crab is not affected by the closures. Commercial shellfish products remain safe for consumers. Samples taken from commercial markets show no biotoxins at this time. PST and domoic acid are produced by algae and usually originate in the ocean. ODA will continue to test for shellfish toxins weekly, 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 web page at <http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/programs/FoodSafety/Shellfish/Pages/ShellfishClosures.aspx>.