Razor clam harvesting reopens on parts of Oregon Coast after toxic levels drop
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Razor Clams on the Central Coast have been deemed safe by the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and the Oregon department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), and are now available for harvesting.
Razor clam harvesting is now open from Cascade Head to Cape Blanco, but remains closed from Cape Blanco to the California border for the public's safety. Harvesting of mussels, bay clams, and crabs remains open along the entirety of the Oregon Coast.
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Closures have been maintained due to the presence of domoic acid in razor clams at unhealthy levels, and regular closings and openings can be expected throughout the year.
Marine biotoxins such as domoic acid are produced by microscopic plankton, and typically exist at low levels. These toxins can affect shellfish, which are filter-feeders which ingest any and all particles they come into contact with.
While the biotoxins do not affect the shellfish negatively, they can be very harmful to humans and animals that consume them.
Levels of biotoxins periodically rise and fall, but now that the domoic acid levels in razor clams have dropped, the ODFW has ruled them safe for consumption. The ODA will continue to monitor the shellfish toxin levels weekly.
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Domoic acid has been proven to contribute to short and long-term memory loss. Even in shellfish with low levels of the acid, large quantities eaten per year may cause Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning, and health officials recommend that people eat no more than 15 razor clams per month for 12 consecutive months. This is an interim advisory while more data is collected.
A license is required to harvest shellfish. Daily and yearly passes can be purchased online or in-person from the .
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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