Due to elevated levels of paralytic shellfish toxins, the Oregon Departments of Agriculture and Fish and Wildlife have extended the closure of mussel harvesting on the coast. The closure now extends from the Columbia River to Cape Arago, just south of Coos Bay.

The closure includes mussels on all beaches, rocks, jetties and bay entrances.

The original closure was ordered May 30 and was extended June 6 from the Columbia River to Heceta Head.

Shellfish contaminated with PSTs 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.

The agriculture department 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 the shellfish safety information hotline at 800-448-2474 or visit the ODA shellfish closures webpage.