Portion of Oregon coast closed to recreational crab harvesting, Oct. 23

The Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife have announced the immediate closure of all recreational crabbing from Cape Blanco on the southern Oregon coast to the California border due to elevated levels of domoic acid. This includes crab harvested in bays and estuaries, and on beaches, docks, piers, and jetties. The recreational crabbing season in the ocean closed coast-wide on October 15. Recreational crab harvesting from Cape Blanco north to the Columbia River remains open in bays and estuaries, and on beaches, docks, piers, and jetties. Despite the closure, crab and shellfish products sold in retail markets and restaurants remain safe for consumers. Domoic acid or amnesic shellfish toxin 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 originate in the ocean. Toxins cannot be removed by cooking, freezing or any other treatment. ODA will continue to test for toxins in the coming weeks. Removal of the advisory requires two consecutive tests in the safe range. For more information, call ODA’s shellfish safety information hotline at (800) 448-2474 or visit the ODA shellfish closures web page at: http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/programs/FoodSafety/Shellfish/Pages/ShellfishClosures.aspx