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| Entire Oregon Coast reopens to razor clam harvesting | ||
| 10/15/2009 | ||
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The Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announce the reopening of recreational and commercial razor clamming along the entire Oregon coast. Shellfish samples taken this week indicate levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) toxins have dropped below the alert level in razor clams. Earlier this week, razor clamming was reopened along the central and south coast. Mussel harvesting north of Bastendorf Beach near Charleston to the mouth of the Columbia River remains closed due to elevated PSP levels. Recreational mussel harvesting from Bastendorf Beach to the California border was reopened earlier this week. Coastal scallops are not affected by this closure when only the adductor muscle is eaten. The consumption of whole recreationally harvested scallops is not recommended. Crab and commercially harvested oysters are not affected by this closure. Shellfish contaminated with PSP toxins can cause minor to severe illness or even death. The symptoms usually begin with tingling of the mouth and tongue. Severe poisoning can result in dizziness, numbness and tingling in the arms and legs, paralysis of the arms and legs, and paralysis of the muscles used for breathing. Shellfish contaminated with PSP toxins can cause minor to severe illness or even death. PSP toxins cannot be destroyed by cooking, by adding baking soda, or by any other method of processing. Shellfish toxins 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, the Food Safety Division at (503) 986-4720 or visit the ODA shellfish closures Web page. |
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/ODA/docs/pdf/news/091015shellfish.pdf |
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