Call the Shellfish Biotoxin Hotline before sport harvesting
Toll free: 1-800-448-2474
The Oregon Department of Agriculture's (ODA) shellfish biotoxin hotline is toll free and is updated as soon as shellfish biotoxins reach the closure limit. The hotline is the best source for up-to-date clam, crab, and mussel biotoxin closure information. For information on sport licenses, seasons, rules and limits, please visit the
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. PLEASE NOTE: due to technical problems our biotoxin results data is not current, however the webpage information is accurate.
Sport shellfish harvesting biotoxin status
This page tells you where you can sport harvest shellfish and crab that is safe to eat. Always check biotoxin openings and closures before collecting or eating shellfish or crab.
Razor clams
The sport harvest of razor clams is
CLOSED from Cascade Head to the California border for high levels of the marine biotoxin domoic acid.
The sport harvest of razor clams is
OPEN from the Washington border to Cascade Head.
See the link below for biotoxin results data for mussels and clams. Re-opening beaches for sport harvest after a biotoxin closure requires two samples in a row with toxin results below the closure limit. These samples must be at least one week apart.
Mussels
The sport harvest of mussels is
OPEN along the entire Oregon Coast from the Washington border to the California border.
Bay clams
The sport harvest of bay clams is
OPEN along the entire Oregon Coast from the Washington border to the California border.
Crab
Sport crab harvest: Status map
Sport crab harvesting is
OPEN along the entire Oregon coast from the Washington border to the California border.
Always check the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) website for season opening and closing dates, rules and licenses for sport harvest of crab. Call the ODFW Newport Office at 541-867-4741.
Always gut the crab and throw away the "butter" (guts) prior to cooking. When whole crab are cooked in liquid, domoic acid may seep into the cooking liquid and then into the meat. Throw away the cooking liquid, and do not use it in other dishes, such as sauces, broths, soups, stews, stocks, roux, dressings, etc. It is recommended you do not eat the 'butter' (guts) of the crab.
Scallops
Scallops are not being sampled for biotoxins at this time. Do not eat whole scallops because they can contain biotoxins. However, the scallop adductor muscle does not build up biotoxins and may be safe to eat.
Commercial shellfish
Commercial shellfish products remain safe for consumers.
Biotoxins and illness
If you think you have become ill from eating shellfish see your doctor and contact your county health department to report your illness.
Biotoxin Data for Oregon Crab