The Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife are reopening a portion of the central coast to recreational mussel harvesting, from Tillamook Head south to Heceta Head, about 13 miles north of Florence. Shellfish samples taken from the area indicate levels of paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) have dropped below the alert level. The area was closed to recreational mussel harvesting July 6.

With the reopening, the entire Oregon Coast is now open to most recreational shellfish harvesting. A conservation closure remains in effect for razor clamming along Clatsop beaches on the north Oregon Coast through September to protect young razor clams.

For more information, call ODA’s shellfish safety information hotline at (800) 448-2474 or visit the ODA shellfish closures web page.

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Media contact: Will Fargo at (503) 432-7092.


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