Shellfish biotoxin closes mussel harvesting on central coast


by OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff
5-24-2024
Website

SALEM, Ore – Mussel harvesting is now closed from Cape Lookout to Seal Rock State Park due to paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), a natural marine biotoxin. The Oregon Department of Agriculture and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced the closure today.

The mussel closure is not related to the oil event currently happening along the northern Oregon and southern Washington coasts.

PSP is a natural marine biotoxin produced by some species of microscopic algae. ODA’s testing showed the PSP level in mussels was rising in the last few weeks, and levels are now beyond the safety threshold.

Mussel harvesting remains open from the Washington border to Cape Lookout and from Seal Rock State Park to the California border.

Razor clam harvesting is open from the Washington border to Cape Blanco and remains closed from Cape Blanco to the California border. 
Crab and bay clam harvesting remain open along the entire Oregon coast. ODA will continue testing for shellfish toxins at least twice per month, as tides and weather permit. Reopening an area closed for biotoxins requires two consecutive tests with results below the closure limit. 

For more information call ODA's shellfish biotoxin hotline at (800) 448-2474, the ODA Food Safety Program at (503) 986-4720, or visit the ODA Recreational Shellfish Biotoxin Closures Webpage .

Contact ODFW for recreational license requirements, permits, rules, and limits.





More Reports


5-24-2024
Includes updates to fishing, crabbing and clamming   Free Fishing Weekend, June 1-2‌ On FFW you won't need a license, tag, validation or...... Read More


5-17-2024
LA GRANDE, Ore. – Lookingglass Creek, a tributary to the Grande Ronde River at Palmer Junction, will open to fishing for...... Read More