Toxin closes Ore. coast to mussel harvest
(From the Daily Courier)
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories...MPLATE=DEFAULT
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Oregon state officials say the entire Oregon coast has been closed to recreational mussel harvesting because of elevated levels of a dangerous toxin.
Shellfish contaminated with paralytic shellfish toxins can cause problems ranging from minor illness to death.
The north and central coast had already been closed to mussel harvesting. Friday's announcement completes the closure.
The departments of Agriculture and Fish and Wildlife say coastal scallops are not affected when only the adductor muscle is eaten, but consumption of whole, recreationally harvested scallops is not recommended. Crab and oysters are not affected and are safe to eat, and razor clamming along the coast remains open.
The toxin can't be destroyed by cooking or by any other method of processing.
Toxin closes entire OR coast to mussel harvest
