September 9, 2019 3:25 a.m.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife have announced the opening of razor clam harvesting on the south coast.
Recreational razor clam harvesting is now open from the Coquille River to the California border. Recent shellfish samples taken from the area indicate the marine biotoxin domoic acid has dropped below the closure limit according to the release from the agencies.
Razor clamming is closed from the south jetty of the Umpqua River at Reedsport to the Coquille River at Bandon for elevated levels of domoic acid toxin.
Recreational mussel harvesting, bay clamming and crabbing are open along the entire Oregon coast.
Domoic acid is produced by algae and originates in the ocean. ODA will continue to test the shellfish twice per month, as tides permit. Reopening of a closed area requires 2 consecutive tests with results in the safe range.
For more information call the ODA shellfish safety hotline at 800-448-2427.