ODFW release – SALEM, Ore – All razor and bay clam harvesting is now closed coastwide the Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced today. Historic high levels of the marine biotoxin Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) are elevated in both razor and bay clams along the entire Oregon coast. PSP is a natural marine biotoxin produced by some species of microscopic algae. PSP levels have been increasing, leading to multiple closures in several shellfish species since May 23. Watch ODFW’s Q&A with ODA and Oregon Health Authority for more information on PSP, shellfish poisoning symptoms, and shellfish testing. Current harvest closures and openings: All razor clamming is now closed from the Washington border to the California border for high levels of PSP. All bay clamming is closed from the Washington border to the California border for high levels of PSP. This includes all clam species in the bays. All mussel harvesting remains closed coastwide for elevated levels of PSP. Crab harvesting remains open along the entire Oregon coast. The ODA has also closed these commercial fisheries: Tillamook Bay: oysters. Netarts Bay: oysters. Umpqua bay: oysters. Coastwide: razor clams and bay clams. 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.
