Red tide abates, Mass. clam flats open

BOSTON -- An expansive red tide along the New England coast has abated, allowing Massachusetts to reopen some of its most productive shellfish beds.

The toxic algae bloom spread from Maine to Cape Cod this spring, and even infected Boston Harbor for first time in 36 years.

But warming water has helped dissipate the bloom. In the last week, officials reopened shellfish beds on the North Shore, including Essex Bay and Plum Island Sound. Cape Cod shellfishing areas in Orleans and Eastham have also reopened.

Michael Hickey, the chief biologist for the state's shellfish program, says he expects more beds to reopen if algae levels continue to drop.

The red tide algae doesn't hurt the shellfish, but it can harm humans who ingest it. And it leaves hundreds of clam diggers looking for work.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)