Portion of South Oregon coast reopened to mussel harvesting, Nov. 8

The Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife are reopening a portion of the coast to recreational and commercial mussel harvesting from Heceta Head, north of Florence, to the California border. Shellfish samples taken from the area indicate levels of the marine toxin domoic acid have dropped below the alert level. The area was originally closed to mussel harvesting September 24. Mussel harvesting remains closed north of Heceta Head to the mouth of the Columbia River due to elevated domoic acid levels. Meanwhile, all razor clamming remains closed for the entire Oregon coast because of elevated levels of domoic acid. Recreational and commercial harvest of bay clams is open along the entire Oregon coast. Coastal scallops are not affected by these closures 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 shellfish products remain safe for consumers. 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>.