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Shellfish

​​​​​​Call the Shellfish Biotoxin Hotline before sport harvesting

Toll free: 1-800-448-2474​

The Oregon Department of Agriculture's (ODA) shellfish biotoxin hotline is toll free and is updated as soon as shellfish biotoxins reach the closure limit. The hotline ​is the best source for up-to-date clam, crab, and mussel biotoxin closure information. ​For information on sport licenses, seasons, rules and limits, please visit the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.​

Sport shellfish harvesting biotoxin status

This page tells you where you can sport harvest shellfish and crab that is safe to eat. Always check biotoxin openings and closures​ before collecting or eating shellfish or crab.

​Razor clams 

The sport harvest of razor clams is CLOSED from Cape Blanco to the California border for high levels of the marine biotoxin domoic acid.  

The sport harvest of razor clams is OPEN from​ the Washington border to​ Cape Blanco.​

See the link below for biotoxin results ​data for mussels and clams. Re-opening beaches for sport harvest after a biotoxin​ closure requires two samples in a row​ with toxin ​results below the closure limit. These samples must be at least one week apart. ​

​Mussels 

The sport harvest of mussels is OPEN along the entire Oregon Coast​ from the Washington border to the California border. ​

Bay clams

The sport harvest of bay clams is OPEN along the entire Oregon Coast from the Washington border to the California border.

Crab

Sport​ crab harvest: Status map​

Sport crab harvesting is OPEN along the entire Oregon coast from the Washington border to the California border. 

Always check the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) website for season opening and closing dates, rules and licenses for sport harvest of crab. Call the ODFW Newport Office at 541-867-4741.

Always gut the crab and throw away the "butter" (guts) prior to cooking. When whole crab are cooked in liquid, domoic acid may seep into the cooking liquid and then into the meat. Throw away the cooking liquid, and do not use it in other dishes, such as sauces, broths, soups, stews, stocks, roux, dressings, etc. Do not eat the 'butter' (guts) of the crab.​

Scallops

Scallops are not being sampled for biotoxins at this time. Do not eat whole scallops because they can contain biotoxins. However, the scallop adductor muscle does not build up biotoxins and may be safe to eat. 

Commercial shellfish 

Commercial shellfish products remain safe for consumers. 

​​Biotoxins and illness

​If you think you have become ill from eating shellfish see your doctor and contact your county​ health department to report your illness.

Biotoxin Data for Oregon Crab

Current biotoxin data for crab

Biotoxin Data for Oregon Mussels and Clams

Current biotoxin data for mussels and clams

Oregon Coast softshell clam advisory

The Oregon Health Authority has issued an advisory for softshell clams along the entire Oregon Coast because they may contain high levels of naturally occurring arsenic. Softshell clam advisory

Oregon recreational shellfish closure map

Click the link below to view a map of the Oregon coastline. Areas in green are open and areas in red are closed to recreational shellfish harvesting. Oregon recreational shellfish closure map

Shellfish news from ODA

ODA news blog with information on recreational shellfish beach closures in the State of Oregon. ODA news blog

​Additional Resources

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Information about harmful algae

Northwest Fisheries Science Center

Harmful algae and their toxins

Razor clam harvesting information

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Recreational razor clam information

Recreational Shellfish Regulations

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Recreational shellfish regulations

What are Shellfish Biotoxin Closures

Causes for Closures

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​Con​tact

Main Office
635 Capitol St NE
Salem, OR 97301
Phone: 503-986-4720
Shellfish Safety Hotline
Shellfish Safety Hotline
635 Capitol St NE
Salem, OR 97301
Phone: 800-448-2474
Alt Phone: 503-986-4728

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