ODFW release – ASTORIA, Ore. – Razor clamming is now closed from Cape Blanco to the Oregon/California border, the Oregon Department of Agriculture and ODFW announced today. Recent razor clam samples indicate levels of domoic acid (a marine biotoxin) are above the safety threshold. Razor clam harvesting is open from the Washington border to Tillamook Head and is open from Seal Rock to Cape Blanco. Mussel harvesting and bay clamming is open statewide. Crabbing is open in bays and estuaries coastwide, however recreational ocean crabbing is closed through Nov. 30. Domoic acid is produced by algae and originates in the ocean. ODA will continue testing for shellfish toxins at least twice per month, as tides and weather permit. Reopening an area closed for biotoxins requires two consecutive tests with results below the closure limit. For more information call ODA’s shellfish biotoxin hotline at (800) 448-2474, the ODA Food Safety Program at (503) 986-4720, or visit the ODA Recreational Shellfish Biotoxin Closures Webpage. Contact ODFW for recreational license requirements, permits, rules, and limits.
