Maine has lifted the remaining emergency shellfish-harvesting closure imposed because of an algae bloom in Casco Bay, reopening eastern Middle Bay in Harpswell effective Oct. 27.
The Department of Marine Resources said the effects of the Karenia mikimotoi bloom had subsided there and harvesting no longer posed a risk of unusual damage to the shellfish resource.
The department initially closed targeted areas Sept. 19 and reopened Maquoit Bay Oct. 8. Its latest emergency action repeals the remaining section of that targeted-closure rule, according to the department's Oct. 26 update.
Karenia mikimotoi is a microscopic marine alga. A dense bloom can harm shellfish and other marine life, including through low oxygen in the water. The department says this species is not toxic to humans and that regulated seafood reaching the market remains subject to normal safety standards.
The reopening applies to this particular resource-conservation closure. Harvesters still need to check the department's current shellfish closure notices and any local restrictions before working an area; ending one emergency rule does not override separate public-health closures.