As state Fish and Wildlife keeps close tabs for marine toxins in razor clams along the Washington coast – especially the extended closure at Long Beach – it appears for the most part unaffected especially along the northern beaches of Copalis and Mocrocks.
But, a much dire situation is taking place just across the Columbia River on the Oregon coastline, which has faced an longer closure period due to very elevated levels of domoic acid – a natural toxin produced by certain types of marine algae – that can be harmful or even fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities. The state Department of Health will close a beach once the levels exceed 20 parts per million (ppm).
As of Jan. 20 the latest test samples from Oregon showed places like Clatsop Beaches, Sunset Beach was at 53.0 ppm; Newport Beaches, South Beach was 120.0 ppm; and Coos and North Jetty and Spit was at 180.0 ppm.
To read the rest of the story, please go to: Seattle Times
