The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) announce the closure of the north and central coast for mussel harvesting. Mussel harvesting is now closed from the Columbia River to the north side of the Yachats River because paralytic shellfish toxin levels are above the closure limit.
Mussel harvesting remains open from the south side of the Yachats River to the California border.
Razor clamming remains closed on the Clatsop Beaches, between the Columbia River and Tillamook Head, for the annual ODFW razor clam conservation closure. This conservation closure is to protect the clams while they spawn. The closure is not related to biotoxins. The earliest the Clatsop Beaches could re-open would be October 1st.
Bay clam and crab harvesting remain open along the entire Oregon coast. Coastal scallops are not affected by biotoxins when only the adductor muscle is eaten. ODA does not recommend eating whole scallops. Commercial shellfish products sold in stores and restaurants remain safe for consumers.
Paralytic shellfish toxin and domoic acid are produced by algae and originate in the ocean. ODA will continue to test 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.
For more information call ODA’s shellfish biotoxin hotline at (800) 448-2474, the ODA Food Safety Division at (503) 986-4720, or visit the ODA Recreational Shellfish Biotoxin Closures webpage.