The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) is the shellfish control authority for the state of Oregon. The Shellfish Program is responsible for implementing nationally recognized standards for shellfish safety and sanitation in partnership with the US Food and Drug Administration.
One aspect of the program addresses hazards related to naturally occurring marine biotoxins caused by harmful algal blooms in the ocean. ODA receives funding from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) to maintain a biotoxin monitoring program. This is a surveillance program where shellfish samples are collected along the length of the Oregon coastline by ODA and ODFW staff twice a month and are analyzed at the ODA lab for toxins. The results of this monitoring program are used to protect consumers and the public alike by ensuring both commercial shellfish grown and harvested in Oregon are safe and that recreational shellfish harvesting and clamming is done safely.
Ultimately, this successful partnership between agencies allows fishermen and the seafood industry to have access to markets throughout the US while protecting public health.