The Oregon Department of Agriculture has announced the closure of the entire Oregon Coast to all mussel and clam harvesting, from the mouth of the Columbia River to the California border, due to elevated levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning or PSP toxins. This includes all mussels and clams on the ocean beaches, rocks, estuaries, jetties and bays along the entire Oregon Coast.

Most of the north and central coast had already been closed to mussel harvesting. Razor clam harvesting has been closed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) since July 15 as part of its annual summer conservation closure. The conservation closure ends October 1. However, clamming will remain prohibited until PSP levels fall within the safe range.

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 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.