ODFW release – The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) announce the immediate closure of all razor clam harvesting from Cape Blanco (north of Port Orford) to the California border. Recent razor clam samples indicate the marine biotoxin domoic acid is three times the closure limit in this area of the south coast. Razor clam harvesting remains open from the Columbia River (including inside the river) to Cape Blanco. Mussel, bay clam, and crab harvesting remain open along the entire Oregon coast. Coastal scallops are not affected by biotoxin closures when only the adductor muscle is eaten; ODA does not recommend eating whole scallops. Commercial shellfish products sold in stores and restaurants remain safe for consumers. Domoic acid and paralytic shellfish toxin are produced by algae and originates in the ocean. ODA will continue to test for shellfish toxins twice per month, as tides and weather permit. Reopening an area closed for marine biotoxins requires two consecutive tests with results below the closure limit. 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.
