Tomales Bay Oyster Harvest Reopened October 18 After Olema Sewage Leak, Producers Say

MARSHALL, Marin County — October 31, 2026. Tomales Bay shellfish farms were permitted to resume harvesting effective October 18 at 7 a.m., ending a precautionary closure following a sewage spill in Olema Creek earlier this month, according to local producer Tomales Bay Oyster Company.

What led to the shutdown?

Marin County’s October 14 notice reported a leak from a septic system at a hotel and restaurant property in Olema that entered a drainage line connected to Olema Creek. Officials capped the leak. State regulators closed all Tomales Bay shellfish growing areas and wet-storage intakes effective October 12 while water quality was assessed.

When did harvesting resume?

Tomales Bay Oyster Company announced October 19 that California Department of Public Health authorization allowed the growing areas to reopen the previous morning. The company described favorable water and oyster tests. Bay City News also reported that Hog Island Oyster Co., whose flagship farm is in Marshall, was notified of reopening.

Did producers withdraw oysters?

Some operators voluntarily withdrew selected oysters harvested before the closure. These were precautionary business decisions and should not be confused with a government-ordered recall of every oyster sold in California. The county stated it had received no reports of adverse effects on people or wildlife when it issued its initial announcement.

What about future closures?

Harvesting authorization can change with rainfall, runoff and testing. Consumers and oyster businesses should check current California shellfish health advisories and supplier instructions. The October 12 closure is no longer correctly described as a standing ban through October 31 based on the subsequent reopening notice.

Sources: Marin County Environmental Health Services, October 14; Tomales Bay Oyster Company, October 19; Bay City News, October 19–20, 2026.

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