The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) announce the closure of razor clam harvesting from the south jetty of the Siuslaw River to Cape Blanco. Recent shellfish samples taken from the area indicate levels of the marine biotoxin domoic acid risen above the alert level. This means razor clamming is now closed from the south jetty of the Siuslaw River to the California border.
Razor clamming remains open from the Columbia River to the south jetty of the Siuslaw River.
Mussel harvesting, crabbing and bay clamming is also open along the entire Oregon Coast.
Coastal scallops are not affected by this closure when only the adductor muscle is eaten. The consumption of whole recreationally harvested scallops is not recommended. Crab, bay clams and oysters are also not affected by any closure and are safe to eat. Commercial shellfish products remain safe for consumers.
Domoic acid is produced by algae and usually originates in the ocean. ODA will continue to test for shellfish toxins twice per month, as tides permit. Reopening of an area requires two consecutive tests in the safe range.
For more information, call ODA’s shellfish safety information hotline at (800) 448-2474, the Food Safety Division at (503) 986-4720 or visit the ODA shellfish closures Web page at http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/programs/FoodSafety/Shellfish/Pages/ShellfishClosures.aspx.
