March 7, 2024 10:20 a.m.

Razor clamming is now closed from Cascade Head, north of Lincoln City, to Seal Rock State Park, north of Waldport, on the central Oregon coast.

An announcement from the Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife said that recent razor clam samples indicate levels of domoic acid – a marine biotoxin – are above the safety threshold.

Razor clamming remains closed from Cape Blanco to the California border. It is open from the Washington border to Cascade Head and from just south of Seal Rock State Park to Cape Blanco.

Crab, mussel and bay clam harvesting are open statewide.

The ODFW release said domoic acid is produced by algae and originates in the ocean. 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. Visit the ODA Recreational Shellfish Biotoxin Closures webpage at: ODA Recreational Shellfish Biotoxin Closures Webpage.