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Shellfish biologist explains high acid levels in Clatsop Beach razor clams SALEM, Ore – The high level of domoic acid in Clatsop Beach razor clams is due to a perfect storm of harmful algal blooms (HABs), weather, ocean currents, and the clams’ own physiology. A lack of available food for the clams, a common phenomenon in fall and winter, is also to blame. HABs are colonies of phytoplankton that grow out of control and produce toxins, including domoic acid which can accumulate in shellfish and can cause amnesic shellfish poisoning in people who consume the contaminated shellfish. Matt Hunter, ODFW’s Shellfish Project Leader explained the problem began when a late September “stall” in ocean current and winds caused an offshore HAB. This stall resulted from the coastal current remaining southward instead of the fall transition northward and weak but predominant winds from the north rather than from the south. ....