Central Coast Closed to Mussel Harvesting, August 3

The Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announce the closure of recreational and commercial mussel harvesting on the Oregon coast from Cape Meares, south of Tillamook Bay, to Heceta Head, north of Florence, because of elevated levels of PSTs. The closure includes mussels on all beaches, rocks, jetties, and bay entrances in this section of the coast. A closure remains in effect for harvesting of mussels from Cape Arago, south of Coos Bay, to the California border. Recreational harvesting of mussels remains open from the Columbia River to Cape Meares and from Heceta Head to Cape Arago, south of Coos Bay. Meanwhile, all razor clamming remains closed for the entire Oregon coast because of elevated levels of the marine toxin domoic acid. Coastal scallops are not affected by either closure when only the adductor muscle is eaten. The consumption of whole recreationally harvested scallops is not recommended. Crab and oysters are also not affected by any closure and are safe to eat. Commercial oyster faming remains open on the entire Oregon coast. 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>.