GALVESTON — The Texas Department of State Health Services announced the “precautionary closure” of oystering in Galveston Bay because of high levels of toxin-producing algae in the water.

According to a media release from the department, commercial and recreational harvesters should not harvest oyster, clams or mussels until further notice.

The closure went into effect Wednesday evening.

The department said regular testing revealed an elevated levels of Dinophysis algae in the water. The algae produces a toxin, okaiac acid, that can enter the tissue of shellfish. Eating an affected shellfish can cause vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and cramping. The toxin is not life-threatening.

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