Call the Shellfish Biotoxin Hotline before harvesting
1-800-448-2474
The Oregon Department of Agriculture's (ODA) shellfish biotoxin hotline is toll free and is updated immediately when shellfish biotoxins reach the alert level. The hotline is your best source for up-to-date clam, crab, and mussel closure information. For information on recreational licenses, rules and limits, please visit the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Recreational shellfish harvesting status
The Oregon Department of Agriculture provides information to the public about where to
harvest shellfish and crab that is safe to eat. Always check harvest conditions before collecting
or consuming shellfish or crab.
Razor clams
The recreational harvest of razor clams is OPEN from Cape Lookout, south of Netarts Bay, to the California border.
The recreational harvest of razor clams is CLOSED from the Columbia River to Cape Lookout for the marine biotoxin domoic acid. The ODFW annual razor clam conservation closure begins July 15 and ends September 30. This razor clam closure is for the Clatsop Beaches only, from the Columbia River down to Seaside. Beaches in Cannon Beach and south to the California border are not affected by this annual conservation closure but could still be affected by biotoxin closures. See the link below for biotoxin results data for mussels and clams. Re-opening beaches for recreational harvest after a biotoxin closure requires two separate samples with toxin results below the closure limit. These samples must be at least one week apart.
Mussels
The recreational harvesting of mussels is OPEN along the entire Oregon Coast from the Columbia River to the California border. See the link below for biotoxin results data for mussels and clams. Re-opening beaches for recreational harvest after a biotoxin closure requires two separate samples with toxin results below the closure limit. These samples must be at least one week apart.
Bay clams
The recreational harvest of bay clams is OPEN along the entire Oregon Coast from the Columbia River to the California border.
Recreational crab harvesting is OPEN from the Columbia River to the California border. See the link below for biotoxin results data for crab.
Always check the ODFW website for season openings, rules and licensing requirements for recreational harvesting and recreational crab seasons. Call the ODFW Newport Office at 541-867-4741.
It is always recommended you eviscerate the crab and discard the "butter" (viscera or guts) prior to cooking. When whole crab are cooked in liquid, domoic acid may leach into the cooking liquid. It is recommended you discard the cooking liquid, and do not use it in other dishes, such as sauces, broths, soups, stews, stocks, roux, dressings, etc. The consumption of crab viscera is not recommended.
Scallops
Scallops are not being sampled for biotoxins at this time. Due to potential biotoxins, consuming whole scallops is not recommended. However, the scallop adductor muscle does not accumulate biotoxins and may be safe for consumption.
Commercial shellfish
Commercial shellfish products remain safe for consumers. Samples show no biotoxins at this time.
If you think you have become ill from consuming shellfish seek medical assistance and contact your local health department to report your illness.
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