The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has issued a bay clam harvest advisory for Alsea Bay estuary

“ODFW recommends people avoid harvesting and consuming softshell and bay clams from Alsea Bay estuary after the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use advisory for Eckman Lake in Lincoln County.” said Matthew Hunter, spokesperson for ODFW

The OHA issued a July 31 advisory due to the presence of cyanobacteria and now an Aug. 15 update due to very high saxitoxin (paralytic shellfish toxin) levels.

With Eckman Lake draining directly into the Alsea Bay estuary and that saxitoxins can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning, ODFW recommends that people avoid harvesting and eating softshell and bay clams harvested from the estuary.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) will test clams from Alsea Bay with results expected next week.