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Oregon Bay Clams Tainted: Avoid Alsea Estuary
4 Sep
Summary
- Paralytic shellfish poisoning risk identified in Alsea Bay estuary.
- High saxitoxin levels detected, linked to cyanobacteria in Eckman Lake.
- Alsea Bay clams should not be harvested or consumed due to toxins.
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has strongly advised against harvesting and consuming softshell and bay clams from the Alsea Bay estuary. This precautionary measure is due to concerns over paralytic shellfish poisoning. The advisory specifically covers the area near Waldport, Oregon.
Recent detections of cyanobacteria and extremely high saxitoxin levels in Eckman Lake are the primary drivers for this warning. The Oregon Health Authority confirmed these findings, noting that saxitoxins are responsible for paralytic shellfish poisoning.
Eckman Lake's direct drainage into the Alsea Bay estuary necessitates caution for clam harvesting in the bay. This situation follows a recreational use advisory for Eckman Lake issued on August 28. It is the second consecutive year an advisory has been issued for Alsea Bay clams.
