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CAPE COD TIMES Nauset estuary reopens to shellfishing activities
EASTHAM - The Nauset estuary is finally open to shellfishing.
The estuary, which comprises 1,200 acres of inlets, tidal ponds and open bays, falls within the boundaries of Eastham and Orleans. It has been closed since March 28 because of red tide.
Red tide is an algae that blooms in late spring and early fall and usually dies off with the onset of summer's warmer waters. Toxins from the algae accumulate in shellfish meat and can cause paralytic poisoning, a potentially fatal neurological disorder.
Shellfish can purge themselves of the toxins within a couple of days, once algae levels have dropped off, and are then safe to eat. The state tests shellfish meat samples weekly during the spring, summer and fall for the toxins.
This year's closure was the longest in anyone's memory, and at its peak had levels as high as 1,300 micrograms of toxin per 100 grams of meat, the highest ever recorded in the estuary. Levels needed to drop below 80 micrograms to be considered safe.
The estuary opened last Friday. The state continues to test weekly.