The toxin affects humans by paralyzing the central nervous system and, in high doses, can cause death. People can get sick. Flats will be closed until the harvest location is identified. DMR determines where the shellfish were dug from the shellfish tag information. Digger faces legal action.
Consumers stop buying shellfish.
Maine may not be allowed to ship shellfish out of state. Price to diggers and dealers drop. Diggers, dealers, shippers, shuckers, stores, restaurants, and marine businesses lose business. Clams have historically provided income to more Maine people than any other marine species. Maine's clam industry is one of only two commercial fisheries managed at the town level.