PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - A toxic algae bloom is causing problems along Maine’s eastern coastline while Department of Marine Resources officials attempt to figure out what triggered the abnormal phenomenon.
The Portland Press Herald reports (https://bit.ly/2dELBWM ) the state agency issued a recall last week of mussels, clams and quahogs from the Down East section of Maine after samples tested positive for domoic acid.
Domoic acid is a biotoxin that can cause illness, memory loss, brain damage and possibly death. This is the first time an algae bloom producing toxic domoic acid has occurred in Maine.
As a result of the testing, the state has banned the harvesting of mussels, clams and other shellfish on large parts of the coastline between Deer Isle and the Canadian border.
It’s unclear how long the bloom will last.
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Information from: Portland Press Herald, https://www.pressherald.com
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