Razor clamming is now closed from Cascade Head (north of Lincoln City) to Seal Rock State Park (north of Waldport), the Oregon Department of Agriculture and ODFW announced. Recent razor clam samples indicate levels of domoic acid (a marine biotoxin) are above the safety threshold. Razor clam harvesting remains closed from Cape Blanco to the California border. It is open from the Washington border to Cascade Head and from just south of Seal Rock State Park to Cape Blanco. Crab, mussel, and bay clam harvesting are open statewide.
Domoic acid is produced by algae and originates in the ocean. 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.
