The Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife are opening the north and central coast to all mussel harvesting from Heceta Head, north of Florence, to the Columbia River. Shellfish samples taken from the areas indicate levels of the marine toxin domoic acid have dropped below the alert level. The areas were originally closed to mussel harvesting September 24th. Mussel harvesting is now open along the entire Oregon coastline. Meanwhile, all razor clamming remains closed for the entire Oregon coast because of elevated levels of domoic acid. Recreational and commercial harvest of bay clams is open along the entire Oregon coast. Coastal scallops are not affected by these closures when only the adductor muscle is eaten. The consumption of whole recreationally harvested scallops is not recommended. Oysters are not affected and are sale to eat. Commercial shellfish products remain safe for consumers. For more information, call ODA’s shellfish safety information hotline at (800) 448-2474 or visit the ODA shellfish closures webpage.
