Marine toxin domoic acid keeps Clatsop beaches closed to razor clamming

The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) closed all razor clam harvesting from the Washington border to Cascade Head (just north of Lincoln City). Domoic acid, a marine toxin, is above the human health limit, delaying the opening of the popular Clatsop beaches.

Reopening the annual Clatsop beaches razor clam summer conservation closure will occur when two consecutive tests show domoic acid levels are below the human health closure limit.

Razor clam harvesting is open from Cascade Head to the California border.

Mussel harvesting remains 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 is 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 tests 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.

Domoic acid and paralytic shellfish toxin are produced by algae and originates in the ocean.

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 Shellfish Biotoxin Closures webpage.

Contact ODFW for recreational license requirements, permits, rules, and limits.  

ODA: Judy Dowell, 503-871-2118 ODFW: Matt Hunter, 971-606-0428

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