Mussel harvesting has reopened on the central Oregon coast while closing on the south coast, according to an announcement from the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). The agencies reported that recent mussel samples show levels of paralytic shellfish toxin below closure limits on the central coast, but above those limits on the south coast.
As a result, mussel harvesting is now closed from Cape Blanco to the California border. It remains open from the Washington border to Cape Blanco.
Razor clam harvesting continues to be closed from the Washington border to Tillamook Head (Seaside) due to ODFW’s annual conservation closure, as well as from Cape Blanco to the California border because of high levels of domoic acid, another marine biotoxin.
Recreational bay clam and crab harvesting remain open along all areas of the Oregon coast. Coastal scallops are not affected by biotoxin closures if only the adductor muscle is eaten. The ODA advises against eating whole scallops. Commercial shellfish products are 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.”
For more information about current closures or safety updates, individuals can call ODA’s shellfish biotoxin safety hotline at (800) 448-2474 or reach out to their Food Safety Shellfish Desk at (503) 986-4726.
