Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) announce the partial opening of razor clam harvesting on the south Oregon coast between the Siuslaw River and Cape Blanco. Recent samples from this area indicate the marine biotoxin domoic acid has dropped below the limit.

Razor clamming is now open from the Columbia River to Cape Blanco. Razor clamming remains closed from Cape Blanco to the California border for elevated levels of domoic acid toxin.

Mussel harvesting, crabbing and bay clam harvesting are open along the entire Oregon coast.

Coastal scallops are not affected by this closure when only the adductor mussel is eaten. The consumption of whole recreationally harvested scallops is not recommended. Crab, bay clams and oysters are also not affected by this closure and are safe to eat. Commercial shellfish products remain safe for consumers.

Domoic acid is produced by algae and originates in the ocean. ODA will continue totest for shellfish toxins twice per month, as tides permit. Reopening an area that has been closed requires two consecutive tests with results below thelimit.

For more information call ODA's shellfish safety hotline at (800) 448-2474, the Food Safety Division at (503) 986-4720, or visit the ODA Shellfish Biotoxin Closures webpage.

Contact:
Judy Dowell, ODA, (503) 871-2118