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ODA Food Safety Division
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Shellfish safety closures
Shellfish safety hotline
Recreational shellfish harvesting status as of 05/01/2008
Most recent news release
What are shellfish safety closures
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning levels remain below alert level
Domoic acid results continue to be in safe range
Harmful algae bloom monitoring: no reports of elevated levels
Biotoxin results of interest
Shellfish safety hotline
The Oregon Dept of Agriculture's shellfish safety hotline is toll free and provides the most current information regarding shellfish safety closures.
 
1-800-448-2474 toll free or (503) 986-4728 outside of Oregon

 
The ODA web pages may not be updated as quickly as the shellfish closures recording. Please call the shellfish safety hotline before harvesting.
Recreational shellfish harvesting status as of 05/01/2008
North and central coast beaches reopen to mussel harvesting

  • Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) levels remain below alert level on the North & Central Oregon Coast
  • Domoic acid results continue to be in safe range
  • Harmful algae bloom monitoring: no reports of elevated levels
Please note: when shellfish toxin levels exceed the "alert" level, and a new shellfish closure must be issued, the ODA web pages may not be updated as quickly as the shellfish closures recording. Please check ODA's shellfish safety hotline at 1-800-448-2474 or (503) 986-4728 outside of Oregon for current information.
 
This web page provides an update of on-going shellfish safety closures on the Oregon coast. This information will be updated when there are new closures, openings, significant changes in shellfish toxin levels, or other events of interest to harvesters.
 
Most recent news release
12/20/07 - North and central coast beaches reopen to mussel harvesting

What are shellfish safety closures
The Oregon Dept of Agriculture (ODA) and Oregon Dept of Fish and Wildlife (ODF&W) jointly issue shellfish safey closures to protect recreational shellfish harvesters from consuming clams or mussels which may cause human illness. Shellfish can be contaminated by natural events such as harmful algae blooms (HAB’s) or man-made events such as a sewage spill.
 
Marine biotoxins -- paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) and domoic acid, are the most common reasons for shellfish closures in Oregon coastal waters. Biotoxins can cause mild to severe health problems for consumers. Visit one of these web sites below for more information about marine biotoxins.
 
The Harmful Algae Page -- http://www.whoi.edu/redtide

Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC) - HABs Links -- http://www.nwfsc.noaa.gov/hab/links/index.html

Olympic Region Harmful Algal Blooms - ORHAB Partnership -- http://www.orhab.org/
ODA and ODF&W routinely collect shellfish samples and test for PSP and domoic acid. Recreational shellfish safety closures and sampling results are summarized in this update. For more information about Oregon’s shellfish resources visit
http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/shellfish/razorclams/
 
Commercial shellfish for human consumption on the market, including oysters, clams and mussels are part of the ODA food safety division and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration inspection and sampling program. If you think you have become ill from consuming shellfish (commercial or recreational) you should seek medical assistance and/or contact your local county health dept to report your illness.
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning levels remain below alert level
Paralytic Shellfish Poisioning (PSP) levels remain below alert level on North & Central Oregon Coast
Recent shellfish samples taken from the area indicate levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) toxins remain below the alert level. The area has been open to recreational harvesting of mussels since December 20, 2007. With the closure lifted, the entire Oregon coast is now open to all recreational shellfish harvesting.

Weekly PSP monitoring will continue through the winter as tides permit. Warm ocean waters and calm seas are favorable conditions for a bloom of the alga that produces PSP toxins. A shellfish safety closure will be issued immediately if PSP levels rise above the alert level of 80 mcgm/100 grams. For the most current information please check the shellfish safety hotline: (1-800-448-2474).

Shellfish contaminated with PSP toxins can cause minor to severe illness or even death. The symptoms usually begin with tingling of the mouth and tongue. Severe poisoning can result in dizziness, numbness and tingling in the arms and legs, paralysis of the arms and legs, and paralysis of the muscles used for breathing. PSP shellfish toxins are produced by algae and usually originate in the ocean.

 
 
Domoic acid results continue to be in safe range
Domoic acid, the other shellfish toxin monitored for shellfish safety, continues to test in the safe range: results from shellfish samples obtained during January were below detection levels, at all sites.

Mussels, clams and oysters sampled the week of April 20, 2008 contained very low levels of domoic acid. Domoic acid is a naturally occurring toxin produced by marine phytoplankton or algae. Eating shellfish contaminated with domoic acid can cause minor illness within minutes to hours after consumption. The toxin is not destroyed by cooking, adding baking soda, or any other method. In mild cases, symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and headache. More severe cases can result in memory problems and even death.
 

Commercial harvest of razor clams for human consumption is limited to Clatsop Beach (open status only). The Oregon Dept of Agriculture (ODA) has authority to restrict the distribution of shellfish sold by commercial processors and will halt distribution if sampling indicates clams are nearing the “alert” level for either biotoxin - 20 parts per million (ppm) for domoic acid and 80 micrograms per 100 grams for PSP. The alert level for a biotoxin is the point at which harvest controls are implemented to assure shellfish toxins in harvested products are not at higher levels where illness may occur. Samples are collected weekly during the warmer months for shellfish biotoxins – domoic acid (DA) and paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP).
Harmful algae bloom monitoring: no reports of elevated levels
ODA and ODF&W monitor for the toxigenic alga or plankton that produces domoic acid and PSP. The latest reports provided to ODA indicated that levels of algae that produce domoic acid and/or Pseudo-nitzschia were present but at lower numbers than seen earlier.
 
Algae blooms can occur suddenly and create the need to close areas with little warning. The toxin closure ‘trigger’ levels are set to provide a margin of safety and protect the public by closing areas before levels become unsafe.
 
Recreational razor clammers are reminded new algae blooms may require a shellfish safety closure with little warning. Samples are collected during low tides when clams are accessible. Sampling may be limited due to storms or rough surf. Razor clams retain the naturally produced toxin after the algae bloom dissipates. Clams may take several months or years to purge the toxin. There must be two consecutive sets of samples with results less than 20 ppm before a closed area opening can be considered.

History has shown domoic acid or PSP levels in clams or mussels can double in less than five days. The public should stay alert for changes in the status of all shellfish harvesting areas.

Harvesters should check this web site and the shellfish information hotline regularly to determine if the area they want to harvest is open. Shellfish harvesting areas are closed to all harvesting when toxins exceed an "alert" level. Alert levels, 20 ppm for domoic acid and 80 micrograms/100 grams for paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) provide a margin of safety and halt harvest before toxins reach a higher level that may cause illness.

Check with ODF&W regarding recreational shellfish licenses and shellfish protection areas. For more information on Oregon’s razor clams visit http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/shellfish/razorclams .
Biotoxin results of interest
Results summarized below are for domoic acid (DA) and // PSP


Week of April 20, 2008
  • < 1 ppm // < 34 mcgm – Bastendorf Beach to Cape Arago (mussels)
  • 3.4 ppm // < 35.3 mcgm – Newport, Agate Beach, (mussels)
  • <1 ppm // <36.1mcgm - Bob Creek, Bob Creek Wayside (mussels)
  • <1 ppm // <35 mcgm - Columbia River, South Jetty (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 38.2 mcgm – Silver Point (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // NA – Netarts Bay, Pearl Point Oyster (oysters)
  • < 1 ppm // < 38.4 mcgm – Clatsop Beach, Seaside (razor clams)

Week of April 6, 2008
  • < 1 ppm // < 35.5 mcgm – Clatsop Beach, Seaside (razor clams)
  • < 1 ppm // < 37.7 mcgm – Cape Meares, (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 36.2 mcgm – Bastendorf Beach to Cape Arago (mussels)
  • 1.2 ppm // < 35.6 mcgm – Newport, Agate Beach, (razor clams)
  • < 1 ppm // NA - Ona Beach State Park (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 34 mcgm - Yachats, Smelt Sands SP (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 35 mcgm – Silver Point, Tolovana Beach (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // NA – Tillamook Bay, Garibaldi Flats (cockles)
  • 2.0 // NA – Coos Bay, Upper Point Adams Spit (razor clams)
  • < 1 // < 36 mcgm – N. Lincoln County, 15th Street (mussels)
  • 2.3 // NA – Cannon Beach, Ecola St. Park, Indian Beach (razor clams)
  • < 1 // <33.3 mcgm – Columbia River, South Jetty (mussels)

Week of March 10 - 20th, 2008
  • 1.30 // < 36.1 mcgm – Clatsop Beach, Seaside (razor clams)
  • 2.30 // NA – Clatsop Beach, South Jetty (razor clams)
  • < 1 // < 38.4 mcgm – Silver Point (mussels)
  • < 1 // NA – Netarts Bay, Pearl Point Lease (oysters)
  • < 1 // < 36.9 mcgm – Bastendorf Beach to Cape Arago (mussels)
  • < 1 // < 37.1 mcgm – Columbia River, South Jetty (mussels)
  • < 1 // < 37.7 mcgm – Lincoln City, 15th St. Access (mussels)
  • < 1 // < 37.3 mcgm – Newport, North Jetty (mussels)
  • < 1 // < 37.4 mcgm – Bob Creek, Wayside State Park (mussels)
  • < 1 // < 37.4 mcgm – Gold Beach, Myers Creek (mussels)

Week of March 3, 2008
  • < 1 ppm // < 36.1 mcgm – Columbia River, South Jetty (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 35 mcgm – Bastendorf Beach to Cape Arago (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 36.6 mcgm - Yachats, Smelt Sands SP (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // NA – Seal Rock State Park (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 35.5 mcgm – N. Lincoln County, 15th Street (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 35.7 mcgm – Newport, North Jetty (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 34.7 mcgm – Gold Beach, Myers Creek (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 35.5 mcgm – Silver Point (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 37 mcgm – Cape Meares, (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // <34.3 mcgm – Clatsop Beach, Seaside (razor clams)
  • 1.80 pp, // NA mcgm – Clatsop Beach, Gearhart (razor clams)

Week of February 18, 2008
  • 1.30 ppm // < 34.7 mcgm – Clatsop Beach, Seaside (razor clams)
  • < 1 ppm // < 36.6 mcgm – Columbia River, South Jetty (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 35.3 mcgm – Bastendorf Beach to Cape Arago (mussels)
  • 4.70 // NA – Coos Bay, Point Adams Beach (mussels)
  • <1 ppm // < 34.3 mcgm – Silver Point (mussels)
  • <1 ppm // NA – Tillamook Bay, Pacific Oyster (oyster)
  • < 1 ppm // < 34.7 mcgm – Seal Rock State Park (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 34.6 mcgm - Yachats, Smelt Sands SP (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // <34.2 mcgm – Gold Beach, Myers Creek (mussels)

Week of February 4, 2008
  • < 1 ppm // < 35 mcgm – Silver Point, Tolovana Beach (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 34 mcgm – Bastendorf Beach to Cape Arago, (mussels)
  • 1.00 ppm // < 36.6 mcgm – Clatsop Beach, Seaside (razor clams)
  • < 1 ppm // < 36.6 mcgm – Seal Rock State Park (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 36 mcgm - Yachats, Smelt Sands SP (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 36.8 mcgm – Lincoln City, 15th St. Access (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 33.8 mcgm – Newport, North Jetty (razor clams)
  • NA // <35.5 mcgm – Gold Beach, Myers Creek (mussels)

Week of January 21, 2008
  • < 1 ppm // < 35 mcgm – Columbia River, South Jetty, (mussels)
  • 2.20 ppm // < 34.3 mcgm – Clatsop Beach, Seaside (razor clams)
  • < 1 ppm // < 36.2 – Umpqua River Estuary growing area, (oysters)
  • < 1 ppm // < 38 mcgm – Bastendorf Beach to Cape Arago, (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 37.1 mcgm – Seal Rock State Park (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 36.4 mcgm - Bob Ck Wayside (S of Yachats), (mussels)
  • 4.00 ppm // < 38.6 mcgm – Newport Beaches @ South Beach (razor clams)    
  • < 1 ppm // < 36.8 mcgm – Cape Meares, (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 37.9 mcgm - Tillamook Bay- hanging, (oysters)
  • <1 ppm // < 38.3 mcgm - Siuslaw Bay, North Jetty (eastern thin shells)
  • 2.80 ppm // < 37.6 mcgm – Newport, North Jetty (razor clams)

Week of January 11, 2008
  • < 1 ppm // < 35 mcgm – Columbia River, South Jetty, (mussels)
  • 2.20 ppm // < 34.3 mcgm – Clatsop Beach, Seaside (razor clams)
  • < 1 ppm // < 36.2 – Umpqua River Estuary growing area, (oysters)
  • < 1 ppm // < 38 mcgm – Bastendorf Beach to Cape Arago, (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 37.1 mcgm – Seal Rock State Park (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 36.4 mcgm - Bob Ck Wayside (S of Yachats), (mussels)
  • 4.00 ppm // < 38.6 mcgm – Newport Beaches @ South Beach (razor clams)    
  • < 1 ppm // < 36.8 mcgm – Cape Meares, (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 37.9 mcgm - Tillamook Bay- hanging, (oysters)
  • <1 ppm // < 38.3 mcgm - Siuslaw Bay, North Jetty (eastern thin shells)
  • 2.80 ppm // < 37.6 mcgm – Newport, North Jetty (razor clams)

Week of January 7, 2008
  • < 1 ppm // < 34.7 mcgm - Yachats, Smelt Sands SP (mussels)
  • 1.40 ppm // < 36.1 mcgm – Seal Rock State Park (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 37 mcgm – Newport, North Jetty (mussels)    
  • < 1 ppm // < 35.5 mcgm – Bastendorf Beach to Cape Arago, (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 35.5 mcgm – Cape Meares, (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 37.7 mcgm – Netarts Bay, (oysters)
  • < 1 ppm // < 37.7 mcgm – N. Lincoln County, 15th Street (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 36.4 mcgm – Siletz Bay, Schooner Creek, (eastern thin)
  • NA // <35.5 mcgm – Gold Beach, Myers Creek (mussels)

Week of December 17, 2007
  • < 1 ppm // < 38.1 mcgm – Netarts Bay, (oysters)
  • < 1 ppm // < 37.6 mcgm – N. Lincoln County, 15th Street (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 37.2 mcgm – Seal Rock State Park (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 35.7 mcgm - Bob Ck Wayside (S of Yachats), (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 37.1 mcgm – Newport, North Jetty (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm  // 40.1 mcgm – Columbia River, South Jetty, (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 36.8 – Umpqua River at South Jetty, (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 36.4 mcgm – Bastendorf Beach to Cape Arago, (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 37.2 mcgm – Cape Meares, (mussels)

Week of December 10, 2007
  • <1 ppm // 58.5 mcgm – Columbia River, South Jetty (mussels)
  •  2 ppm // <38.8 mcgm – Clatsop Beach, South Jetty (razor clams)
  • <1 ppm // 45.1 mcgm – Silver Point, Tolovana Beach (mussels)
  • <1 ppm // 43.0 mcgm – Cape Mears (mussels)
  • NA // <35.5 mcgm – Siletz Bay, Schooner Creek (eastern thin)
  • <1 ppm // <38 mcgm – Cape Perpetua, Neptune SP (mussels)
  • <1 ppm // <38.4 mcgm - Siuslaw Bay, North Jetty (mussels)
  • <1 ppm // <35.7 mcgm – South Jetty, Umpqua River (oysters)
  • <1 ppm // <37.1 mcgm – Bastendorf Beach to Cape Arago (mussels)
  • <1 ppm // <37.7 mcgm – Gold Beach, Myers Creek (mussels)

Week of November 26, 2007
  • NA  // 85.9 mcgm – Columbia River, South Jetty, (mussels)
  • 3.40ppm // NA – Clatsop Beaches, Seaside, (razor clams)
  • 2.10ppm // NA – Clatsop Beaches, Seaside, (razor clams)
  • < 1 ppm // <35.5 mcgm – Silver Point, (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // 41.8 mcgm – Cape Meares at Short, (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // <36.7 mcgm – Netarts Bay, (oysters)
  • 2.80 ppm // <35.6 mcgm – Newport, Agate Beach, (razor clams)
  • 2.60 ppm // <37 mcgm –    Newport, South Jetty (razor clams)
  • < 1 ppm // <37.4 mcgm – Cape Perpetua, (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // NA – Umpqua River at South Jetty, (oysters)
  • < 1 ppm // <35.7 mcgm – Bastendorf Beach to Cape Arago, (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // <37.7 mcgm – Gold Beach Area, (mussels)

Week of November 12, 2007
  • < 1 ppm //<36.9 mcgm - Gold Beach, Meyers Creek (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // 38.1 mcgm - Coos Bay, Bastendorf Beach, (mussels)
  • NA ppm // 44.7 mcgm - Silver Pt, (Tolovana Park), (mussels)
  • NA ppm // 43.5 mcgm – Nehalem Bay, (Hanging Jetty Fishery) (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // 46.8 mcgm – Lincoln City, 15th St. Access (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 34 mcgm - Yachats, Smelt Sands SP (mussels)

Week of November 5, 2007
  • < 1 ppm // NA mcgm - Coos Bay, Bastendorf Beach, (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // NA mcgm - Gold Beach, Meyers Creek (mussels)
  • 3.70 ppm // NA mcgm - Clatsop Bch, Seaside (razor clams)
  • 2.90 ppm // NA mcgm - Clatsop Bch, South Jetty (razor clams)

Week of October 29, 2007
  • < 1 ppm // < 34 mcgm - Gold Beach, Meyers Creek (mussels)
  • 20 ppm //  NA mcgm - Gold Beach, Meyers Creek (razor clams)
  • < 1 ppm // < 35.6 mcgm - Newport Beach, North Jetty (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 35.4 mcgm - Clatsop Bch, Seaside (razor clams)

Week of October 22, 2007
  • < 1 ppm //    40.2 mcgm – Cape Meares (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm //    34 mcgm – South Jetty, Umpqua River (oysters)
  • < 1 ppm //    60.2   mcgm – South Jetty, Columbia River (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 34.7 mcgm - Bob Ck Wayside (S of Yachats), (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 39.3 mcgm - Silver Pt, (Tolovana Park), (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 34.3 mcgm - Coos Bay, Bastendorf Beach, (mussels)

Week of October 15, 2007
  • < 1 ppm // < 34.7 mcgm - Clatsop Bch, Seaside (razor clams)
  • < 1 ppm //    133.8 mcgm – Cape Meares, (N of Netarts) (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 60.2 mcgm – Lincoln City, 15th St. Access (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 16.6 mcgm - Tillamook Bay, (clams)
  • < 1 ppm // < 33.8 mcgm – Siletz Bay, Schooner Creek, (eastern thin)

Week of October 13, 2007
  • NA     // < 32.2 mcgm – Clatsop Beaches (razor clams)
  • NA     // < 33.8 mcgm – Tillamook Bay (oysters)
  • NA     // < 32.9 mcgm – Netart Bay (oyster)


Week of October 8, 2007
  • < 1 ppm // 187.0 mcgm – South Jetty, Columbia River (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // 433.0 mcgm – Nehalem Bay, (N of Tillamook) (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // 71.0 mcgm – Lincoln City, 15th St. Access (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 38.0 mcgm - Coos Bay, Bastendorf Beach, (mussels)
  • NA // < 38.6 mcgm - South Jetty Umpqua Triangle, (oysters)
  • < 1 ppm // < 37.3 mcgm - Cape Perpetua, Neptune SP, (mussels)



Week of October 1, 2007
  • < 1 ppm //    57.3 mcgm – Cape Meares, (N of Netarts) (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 36.1 mcgm - Newport Beach, Agate Beach (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 37.2 mcgm - Bob Ck Wayside (S of Yachats), (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < NA   mcgm - Cape Perpetua, Neptune SP, (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 36.1 mcgm - Gold Beach, Meyers Creek (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 36.1 mcgm - Coos Bay, Bastendorf Beach, (mussels)


Week of September 24, 2007
  • < 1 ppm //    47.2 mcgm – South Jetty, Columbia River (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm //    NA   mcgm – South Jetty, Columbia River (razor clams)
  • < 1 ppm // < 37.2 mcgm - Clatsop Bch, Gearhart (razor clams)
  • < 1 ppm //    58.1 mcgm – Cape Meares, (N of Netarts) (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 36.6 mcgm – Lincoln City, 15th St. Access (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 36.6 mcgm - Yachats, Smelt Sands SP (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 38.7 mcgm - Coos Bay, Bastendorf Beach, (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 37.2 mcgm - Gold Beach, Meyers Creek (mussels)


Week of September 10, 2007
  • < 1 ppm // < 37.3 mcgm - Silver Pt, (S of Seaside), (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 36.0 mcgm – Cape Meares, (N of Netarts) (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 34.4 mcgm – Lincoln City, 15th St. Access (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 35.8 mcgm - Bob Ck Wayside (S of Yachats), (mussels)
  • < 1 ppm // < 38.8 mcgm - Winchester Bay, S Jetty Ump. Triangle,(oysters)  
  • < 1 ppm // < 36.6 mcgm - Coos Bay, Bastendorf Beach, (mussels)
 
Page updated: May 08, 2008

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