NEWPORT, Ore – The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and ODFW closed recreational bay and estuary crabbing from eight miles north of Winchester Bay (43 degrees 47' at Tahkenitch Creek) to the California border. Recent test results show domoic acid, a marine toxin, is above the human health closure limit.

Recreational bay and estuary crabbing remains open from eight miles north of Winchester Bay to the Washington border. Recreational ocean crabbing is closed until Nov. 30 per permanent regulations. Reopening ocean crabbing Dec. 1 may be delayed pending toxin test results.

Recreational bay clam and mussel harvesting also remain open along the entire Oregon coast. However, razor clamming is still closed coastwide.

ODA tests for shellfish toxins twice per month, as tides and weather permit. Reopening an area closed for biotoxins requires two consecutive tests with results below the closure limit.

Domoic acid is produced by algae and originates in the ocean.

It is recommended that recreational crab harvesters always eviscerate crab before cooking. This includes removing and discarding the viscera, internal organs, and gills.

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

Contact ODFW for recreational license requirements, permits, rules and limits.

A map of the closed area is available online.