Portion of Oregon Coast closed to recreational razor clamming, Sept. 3

The Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announce the closure of recreational razor clam harvesting from the California border to Heceta Head, north of Florence on the central Oregon Coast. The closure is due to elevated levels of amnesic shellfish toxin (ASP) or domoic acid toxins and includes razor clams on all beaches, rocks, jetties, and at the entrance to bays in this section of the Oregon Coast. Coastal scallops are not affected by this closure when only the adductor muscle is eaten. The consumption of whole recreationally harvested scallops is not recommended. Crab are not affected by this level of toxin and are safe to eat. Shellfish contaminated with ASP toxins can cause minor to severe illness and even death. Severe poisoning can result in dizziness, headaches, vomiting and diarrhea. More severe cases can result in memory loss and death. Shellfish toxins are produced by algae and usually originate in the ocean. Toxins cannot be removed by cooking. ODA will continue to test for shellfish toxins weekly, as tides permit. Reopening of an area requires two consecutive tests in the safe range. For more information, call ODA’s shellfish safety information hotline at (800) 448-2474, the Food Safety Program at (503) 986-4720 or visit the ODA shellfish closures web page at <http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/programs/FoodSafety/Shellfish/Pages/ShellfishClosures.aspx>.