NEWPORT, Ore – The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and ODFW close all recreational crabbing (ocean, bays, and estuaries) from Bandon to the California border. Jan. 6, ODA received additional test results showing domoic acid levels in crab sampled from this area are above the closure threshold. Testing areas for Dungeness crab are prioritized, and this new test result was unexpected. It is unfortunate these new results require recreational crabbing to be closed again along the south coast so shortly after it was opened coastwide Jan. 5. Recreational bay clam and mussel harvesting remain open along the entire Oregon coast. However, razor clamming is still closed coastwide. ODA tests for shellfish toxins twice per month, as tides and weather permit. Sampling schedules sometimes are altered due to vessel availability, weather, and other factors. Reopening an area closed for biotoxins requires two consecutive tests with results below the closure limit. It is recommended that recreational crab harvesters always eviscerate crab before cooking. This includes removing and discarding the viscera, internal organs, and gills. For more information, call ODA’s shellfish biotoxin safety hotline at (800)448-2474, the Food Safety Division at (503) 986-4720, or visit the ODA shellfish biotoxin closures webpage. Contact ODFW for recreational license requirements, permits, rules and limits.
