ORS 622.210-220 authorizes the department to receive, investigate and approve or deny applications to lease state owned estuary lands for the cultivation of oysters, clams and mussels. Program review involves a determination if the proposed lease is consistent with the local land use plan and statewide planning goals and a determination if the proposed plat should be classified as suitable for shellfish cultivation. A suitability classification includes coordination with federal, state and local agencies to help determine what, if any, impacts a proposed plat may have on fish and wildlife resources, recreational activities, commercial fishing, crabbing, shrimping and clamming activities and navigation within an estuary. In addition to reviewing new lease applications, the department is responsible for the collection of annual cultivation fees and use taxes.

The 1995 Legislature expanded the leasing program to include requests to cultivate clams or mussels. The Legislature limited this option to any person who holds an oyster plat that was in effect on June 1, 1997. An application to cultivate clams or mussels may not be approved for more than 20 percent of the lands approved for oyster cultivation and cannot be less than one acre in area.
Annual cultivation fees and use fees established by the Legislature include:

• $4 for each claimed acre;
• 10 cents/gallon sold;
• 10 cents per bushel if sold in the shell; or
• one cent per dozen if sold by the dozen.

• Information sheet on shellfish plat applications (Please read before completing application)
• Shellfish plat application form
• Administrative rules
  

John Byers, Shellfish Plat Leasing 503-986-4718
Food safety and animal health programs and services 503-986-4720