All mussel harvesting is now closed from the Columbia River to the north jetty of the Siuslaw River in Florence due to high levels of paralytic shellfish toxin, according to an announcement by the Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Mussel harvesting also remains closed from Cape Blanco to the California border. However, it continues to be allowed from the south jetty of the Siuslaw River to Cape Blanco.
The agencies also stated that razor clamming is currently not permitted from the Washington border to Tillamook Head at Seaside because of an annual conservation closure, as well as from Cape Blanco to the California border. Razor clamming is still open between Tillamook Head and Cape Blanco. Bay clamming and crabbing are open along all parts of the Oregon coast.
“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,” said officials in their statement.
For information about recreational license requirements, permits, rules, and limits, residents are advised to contact Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
For more details or updates on shellfish safety closures, individuals can call Oregon Department of Agriculture’s shellfish biotoxin safety hotline at (800) 448-2474 or reach out to its Food Safety Shellfish Desk at (503) 986-4726.
