Source: The Boston Globe and Associated Press 2 June 2000 [edited]
The first major onset of red tide in 7 years has closed all of southern
Maine's clam flats, and officials say the ban could last through the first
month of the state's prime tourism season. The state closed flats from
Kittery to just south of Pine Point in Scarborough earlier this week, then
extended the ban to Small Point in Phippsburg.
In red tide, a kind of algae bloom releases toxins known as paralytic
shellfish poison. It is unclear what causes the algae blooms. The state has
found amounts of paralytic shellfish poison at more than 100 times the
allowable level, according to John Hurst, director of biotoxin monitoring
of the Department of Marine Resources. It will be several weeks before the
algae blooms dissipate and the shellfish purge themselves of the toxin, he
said.
If ingested by people, the toxin can cause vomiting and tingling sensations
in fingers and can be fatal if the level of toxins is high. Lobster and
other fish are considered safe to eat because red tide doesn't affect them.
About 1,500 people hold commercial clamming licenses in Maine. They harvest
about $10 million worth of clams annually, making clams Maine's fourth most
valuable seafood species.
"These guys who make a living from it are going to be hard pressed," said
Dave Corbeau, Scarborough's shellfish warden and harbor master. He said he
will patrol the beds at night because he fears some people will try digging
despite the ban.
Clam lovers most likely will find their seafood of choice has become
expensive and hard to get.
"The price is going to go sky-high," said Richard Lamontagne, manager of
the Clambake Restaurant at Pine Point. "We'll have to go to upstate Maine."
He said he will pass the cost on to his customers and use frozen clams.
The Harbor Fish Market in Portland probably won't be selling clams at all,
according to Ben Alfiero, one of the owners.
Red tide caused a 5-week closure of clam flats in Maine in 1993.
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