ODFW release – NEWPORT, Ore – The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) announce the opening of razor clam harvesting on the south coast. Recent shellfish samples taken from the area indicate levels of the marine biotoxin domoic acid have fallen below the limit for two consecutive sampling weeks. The entire Oregon coast is now open for razor clam harvesting. Clam diggers are reminded the annual conservation closure on the most popular clamming beaches in Clatsop County begins July 15-Sept. 30. Mussel, bay clam and crab harvesting remain open along the entire Oregon coast. Coastal scallops are not affected by biotoxin closures when only the adductor muscle is eaten. ODA does not recommend eating whole scallops. Commercial shellfish products in retail stores and restaurants remain safe for consumers. Paralytic shellfish toxin and domoic acid toxin are produced by algae and originate in the ocean. ODA will continue to test for shellfish toxins 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.
