Tomales Bay Shellfish Harvesting Reopened October 18 After Olema Creek Spill

OLEMA, Marin County — October 31, 2026. The shellfish harvesting shutdown connected to an Olema wastewater spill was lifted effective October 18 at 7 a.m., according to an October 19 announcement from Tomales Bay Oyster Company. This matters because older reports about the emergency remain online even though the closure ended.

What happened after inspectors contained the leak?

Following a wastewater leak near Olema Creek, California health regulators closed Tomales Bay shellfish growing areas on October 12. Operators and public agencies monitored water quality and collected oyster samples while deciding when harvesting could safely resume.

What confirmed the reopening?

Tomales Bay Oyster Company’s October 19 notice states that the California Department of Public Health authorized reopening the growing area the previous morning. The company reported favorable water-quality results and testing of oysters, including non-detect results for a viral indicator used in sanitary monitoring. Bay City News also reported confirmation of the reopening by another producer.

Was every oyster sold recalled?

No such government-ordered blanket recall was reported. Some companies voluntarily withdrew products as a precaution. Consumers should follow current supplier-specific notices and official state advisories, rather than treat voluntary withdrawals as a statewide ban.

What is still important for Olema?

Reopening commercial shellfish growing areas does not settle the future condition of the original septic system or imply that wastewater incidents cannot recur. Owners and agencies still have responsibilities for inspection and prevention.

Sources: Tomales Bay Oyster Company, October 19, 2026; Marin County Environmental Health Services, October 14, 2026.

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