ODA, ODFW close razor clamming along entire Oregon coast due to levels of marine biotoxin domoic acid

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Friday that razor clams are closed to all harvesting along the entire Oregon coast, from the Columbia River to the California border.

Recent lab results indicate the marine biotoxin domoic acid has exceeded the closure limit along the entire coastline, the agencies said. 

Mussel harvesting is closed from the Columbia River to the north side of the Yachats River for elevated levels of the marine biotoxin paralytic shellfish poison. Mussel harvesting remains open from the south side of the Yachats River to the California border. 

Recreational bay clam and crab harvesting remain open along the entire Oregon coast.

ODA will continue to test for shellfish toxins twice per month, as tides and weather permit. Reopening an area closed for biotoxins requires two consecutive tests with results below the closure limit. Contact ODFW for recreational license requirements, permits, rules and limits. 

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 recreational shellfish biotoxin closures webpage.