An annual quarantine of mussels along the Central and South Coasts for recreational harvesters is now in effect.
The California Department of Public Health put the statewide quarantine in effect Tuesday. The concern is that there could be dangerous levels of toxins in the mussels which can cause paralysis, and even death.
There is no known antidote to the poison. The quarantine applies to all species of mussels found anywhere in the state. Commercial harvesting is not impacted. The quarantine is expected to be in place through the end of October.