Mussel harvesting has reopened on the central and southern parts of the Oregon coast, according to an announcement from the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. The area now open extends from Cascade Head south to the California border. However, mussel harvesting remains closed from the Columbia River to Cascade Head.
Razor clamming is still prohibited between Cape Blanco and the California border, while it remains permitted from the Columbia River to Cape Blanco. Bay clamming and bay crabbing are open along the entire Oregon coast.
The ODA will continue weekly testing for shellfish toxins, depending on tides and weather conditions. The department stated that “reopening an area closed for biotoxins requires two consecutive tests with results below the closure limit.” They also advised individuals to contact the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for information about recreational license requirements, permits, rules, and limits.
For further details, members of the public 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.
