(SALEM, Ore) – Mussel harvesting is now closed from Tillamook Head (south of Seaside) to the north Jetty of the Siuslaw River (Florence) the Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced today. Recent mussel samples indicate levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) – a naturally occurring marine biotoxin – is above the safety threshold.
People should always call the Shellfish Safety Hotline at 1-800-448-2474 before heading out to harvest any shellfish or visit the ODA Recreational Shellfish Biotoxin Closures Webpage.
Current harvest closures and openings:
- Mussels:
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- OPEN from the WA border to Tillamook Head.
- CLOSED from Tillamook Head to the north Jetty of the Siuslaw River.
- OPEN from the north jetty of the Siuslaw River to the CA border.
- Razor clams:
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- OPEN from the WA border to Cape Blanco.
- CLOSED from Cape Blanco to the CA border.
- Bay clams:
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- OPEN coastwide.
- Crabs:
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- OPEN coastwide.
ODA will continue testing for shellfish toxins at least 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 Program at 503- 986-4720, or visit the ODA Recreational Shellfish Biotoxin Closures Webpage.
Contact ODFW for recreational license requirements, permits, rules, and limits.