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| North and central coast beaches reopen to mussel harvesting | ||
| 12/20/2007 | ||
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The Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife jointly announce the reopening of recreational mussel harvesting from the area north of Siletz Bay in Lincoln County to the mouth of the Columbia River. Shellfish samples taken from the closed area last week indicate levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) toxins have dropped below the alert level. The area has been closed to recreational harvesting of mussels since October 15. With the closure lifted, the entire Oregon coast is now open to all recreational shellfish harvesting. Last week, most commercial and all recreational harvest of clams reopened on the north and central coast after being closed as a precautionary measure to minimize exposure to potentially contaminated waters due to coastal flooding. ODA will continue to routinely test for shellfish toxins. 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. Media Contact: Dawn Smith (503) 986-4720. |
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