LITTLE RIVER, 5/5/21 — The seasonal quarantine of California mussels, which may contain deadly poison, began May 1. The California Department of Public Health announced last week that it is no longer safe to gather mussels for human consumption, and that they should only be harvested for bait. Starting on May 1, annual quarantine of sport harvested mussels officially began, with the stated purpose of protecting people against domoic acid, or “paralytic shellfish poisoning,” which is potentially deadly.

Here is the press release from the California Department of Public Health:

Continue reading for FREE

We just want to make sure you’re a human! Sign in to keep reading and receive our weekday newsletter in your inbox.

Or

Privacy Policy

Success! Your account was created and you’re signed in.
Please visit My Account to manage your account.

Lana Cohen is a Report for America journalist covering the environment for The Mendocino Voice. In her free time she enjoys reading and spending time outdoors — hiking, biking, and running.