Mussel harvesting has been closed along the south coast of Oregon, following an announcement by the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). The decision comes after recent tests showed that levels of paralytic shellfish toxin in mussels have surpassed the safety threshold in this region.
The closure affects mussel harvesting from Cape Blanco to the California border. Mussel harvesting is still permitted from the Washington border to Cape Blanco. The agencies noted that razor clam harvesting remains closed from Cape Blanco to the California border due to high concentrations of domoic acid, a different marine biotoxin. However, razor clam harvesting is open north of Cape Blanco up to the Washington border.
Recreational bay clam and crab harvesting are unaffected by these closures and remain open along the entire Oregon coastline. Coastal scallops are also not subject to biotoxin restrictions when only the adductor muscle is consumed. The ODA does not recommend eating whole scallops. Commercially sold shellfish products continue to be considered safe for consumers.
“Oregon Department of Agriculture will continue to test for shellfish toxins weekly, as tides and weather permit. Reopening an area closed for biotoxins requires two consecutive tests with results below the closure limit. Contact Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for recreational license requirements, permits, rules and limits,” according to a statement from the agencies.
For more information, individuals can call ODA’s shellfish biotoxin safety hotline at (800) 448-2474 or contact their Food Safety Shellfish Desk at (503) 986-4726.
