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The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is ramping up its efforts to protect the state’s lakes, rivers, and streams from aquatic invasive species.
Zebra mussels are pictured here, though the newses concern
is over golden mussels. Acquired Through MGN Online.
SALEM, Ore. — Mussel harvesting has reopened from Cascade Head south to the California border after recent tests showed marine biotoxin levels had dropped below the safety threshold, the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) announced Friday.
The reopening restores access to popular shellfish areas along much of the Oregon Coast. However, mussel harvesting remains closed from the Washington border to Cascade Head due to elevated biotoxin levels.
Harvesters are urged to check conditions before heading out by calling the Shellfish Safety Hotline at 1-800-448-2474 or visiting the ODA Recreational Shellfish Biotoxin Closures webpage for the latest updates.
Current Shellfish Harvesting Status
Mussels: Closed from Washington border to Cascade Head; open from Cascade Head to California border
Razor clams: Open from Columbia River to Cape Blanco; closed from Cape Blanco to California border
Bay clams: Open coastwide
Crabs: Open in bays, beaches, piers, jetties, and tide pools; closed in ocean waters from Oct. 16–Nov. 30
ODA said it will continue testing shellfish for toxins at least twice a month, depending on tides and weather. Areas closed due to biotoxins can only reopen after two consecutive tests show levels below safety limits.
For more information, call the ODA shellfish biotoxin hotline at (800) 448-2474, the ODA Food Safety Program at 503-986-4720, or visit the ODA Recreational Shellfish Biotoxin Closures webpage. Information on licenses, permits, and harvest limits is available through ODFW.
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Jordan Vawter
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