Toxic Algae Close More Oregon Beaches To Razor Clamming

[hatrack]

Some of Oregon's most popular razor clamming beaches were closed to clam-digging Tuesday and could remain off-limits for weeks or months because of the lingering effects of a toxin-producing algae. The Oregon Department of Agriculture ended clam and mussel harvests on beaches and ocean spits from the mouth of the Columbia River at Astoria to Lookout Point south of Netarts Bay. That includes the broad beaches from Clatsop spit to Gearhart loaded with razor clams and most readily accessible to Portland-area residents.

Levels of domoic acid, the algae toxin, tested as high as 68 parts per million in clams dug at Sunset Beach north of Gearhart, up from 11 parts per million found in clams dug four days earlier. Above 20 parts per million is considered unsafe.

Domoic acid is produced by certain types of free-floating algae. The toxin can reach high levels in the edible meat of razor clams and mussels and cause amnesic shellfish poisoning in people who eat the shellfish. Severe poisoning can kill or cause permanent brain damage that disrupts short-term memory. The toxin cannot be destroyed by cooking, adding baking soda or any other method.

The state Agriculture Department stepped up testing after Washington officials detected signs of a bloom of the dangerous algae. No Washington beaches are affected so far. More Oregon beaches may be closed. Agriculture officials are testing clams from Waldport and Newport beaches and said they hope to have results before the end of the week. South coast beaches from Coos Head to the California border have remained closed since a toxin bloom there late last summer."

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http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/1114595999104150.xml&coll=7