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Shellfish

​​​​​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 closure limit. The hotline ​is your best source for up-to-date clam, crab, and mussel biotoxin closure information. ​For information on recreational licenses and seasons, 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 biotoxin openings and closures​ before collecting or consuming shellfish or crab.

​Razor clams 

The recreational harvest of razor clams is CLOSED from Tillamook Head, just south of Seaside, to Seal Rock, and from the south jetty of the Siuslaw River to the California border for elevated levels of the marine biotoxin domoic acid.  

The recreational harvest of razor clams is OPEN from the Washington border to Tillamook Head, just south of Seaside, and from Seal Rock to the north jetty of the Siuslaw River at Florence. ​

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 in a row​ with toxin ​results below the closure limit. These samples must be at least one week apart. ​

​Mussels 

The recreational harvesting of mussels is OPEN from the Washington border to the California border. ​

Bay clams

The recreational harvest of bay clams is OPEN along the entire Oregon Coast from the Columbia River to the California border.

Crab
Recreational crab harvest: Status map​

Recreational crab harvesting is OPEN from the Washington border to the California border. 

Always check the ODFW website for season opening and closing dates, rules and licensing requirements for recreational harvesting. Call the ODFW Newport Office at 541-867-4741.

It is always recommended you eviscerate/​gut 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 and then into the meat. 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/guts 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. 

​​Biotoxins and illness

​If you think you have become ill from consuming shellfish seek medical assistance and contact your local 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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