Mussel harvest closure Cape Blanco to CA border

SALEM, Ore. – Mussel harvesting is now closed from Cape Blanco to the California border the Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced today. Recent mussel samples indicate levels of domoic acid (a marine biotoxin) are above the safety threshold.

People should always call the Shellfish Safety Hotline at 1-800-448-2474 before heading out to harvest any shellfish or visit the ODA Recreational Shellfish Biotoxin Closures Webpage.

Current harvest closures and openings:

• Razor clams:
  • CLOSED from WA border to Tillamook Head beginning July 15 for the annual conservation closure.
  • OPEN from Tillamook Head to Cape Blanco.
  • CLOSED from Cape Blanco to the CA border.
• Mussels:
  • CLOSED from Cape Blanco south to the CA border.
  • OPEN north of Cape Blanco to the WA border
• Bay clams:
  • OPEN coastwide.
• Crabs:
  • OPEN coastwide.

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.

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