Coastal mussels
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Oregon Agriculture Department officials have closed recreational mussel harvesting on Oregon’s northernmost beaches due to high levels of marine toxins. The closure was announced Friday and extends from the south jetty of the Columbia River south to Cape Meares near Tillamook. The closure includes mussels found on beaches, rocks, jetties, and where bays meet the sea.
Officials say clam and crab harvesting are NOT affected. They’re still safe to eat. All coastal areas south of Cape Meares remain open to recreational shellfish harvesting, according to state agriculture officials.
Paralytic shellfish toxins can cause minor to severe illness in humans. Even death. Officials report that even thorough cooking of the mussels will not make them safe to eat. Shellfish poisoning in humans usually begins 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. The toxins are produced by naturally occurring algae at sea.