Razor clamming closed along part of Oregon coast

The Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Friday the closure of razor clamming from the south jetty of the Umpqua River, south of Reedsport, to the south jetty of Coos Bay due to elevated levels of the marine toxin domoic acid.

As a result, the recreational harvesting of razor clams is closed from Cascade Head, north of Lincoln City, to the California border.

Razor clamming remains open from the Columbia River to Cascade Head.

ODA will continue to test for shellfish toxins every other week, 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 or visit the ODA shellfish closures web page at https://oda.direct/ShellfishClosures.

The step came a day after the two agencies announced crabbing had opened along the entire Oregon coast, as their domoic acid levels were below alert levels. An ODFW spokeswoman said the two animals take in the toxin in different fashion.