Razor Clam Harvesting Closes Along Entire Oregon Coast

Razor clam harvesting closed along the entire Oregon coast Friday, Oct. 2, after recent samples showed domoic acid levels above the safety threshold, according to the Oregon Department of Agriculture and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The closure applies to all razor clam harvesting, including at Clatsop Beach, one of Oregon’s most popular areas for digging razor clams.

Meanwhile, mussel harvesting reopened on the southern coast after testing showed domoic acid levels below the alert level. Mussel harvesting is now open coastwide, along with bay clam and crab harvesting.

The agencies announced the following harvest status Oct. 2:

• Razor clams: Closed coastwide.
• Mussels: Open coastwide.
• Bay clams: Open coastwide.
• Crabs: Open coastwide.

ODA will continue testing for shellfish toxins at least twice a month, as tides and weather allow. Areas closed because of biotoxins must have two consecutive tests with results below the closure limit before reopening.

Harvesters should check for updates before heading to the coast by calling the Shellfish Safety Hotline at 800-448-2474 or visiting the ODA shellfish closures webpage.

Recreational license requirements, rules, and harvest limits are available through ODFW’s crabbing and clamming webpage.