The Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announce the reopening of recreational and commercial harvesting of razor clams from the south jetty of the mouth of the Siuslaw River at Florence to Heceta Head, north of Florence on the central Oregon Coast. The area had been closed since August 29, 2014 due to elevated levels of amnesic shellfish toxin (ASP) or domoic acid toxins. Shellfish samples taken from the area indicate levels of the toxins have dropped below the alert level. A closure remains in effect from the California border to the Siuslaw River for all harvesting of razor clams due to ASP and includes razor clams on all beaches, rocks, jetties, and at the entrance to bays in this section of the Oregon Coast. All other portions of the coast north of the Siuslaw River remain open for razor clamming. 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.
