North Coast Closed to Mussel Harvesting, Oct. 16

The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) announce the closure of recreational and commercial mussel harvesting from the south jetty of the Columbia River to the north jetty of Yaquina Bay. 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 from the south jetty of Yaquina Bay 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 usually 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. 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