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.

• Harvesting status available in English, Español, русский, 中国人, Tiếng Việt, 한국인
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• This webpage last updated: 12/19/2024
• For additional information call the shellfish desk at (503) 986-4726.

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.

• Sport seasons and licensing rules: Visit the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
• Commercial crabbing information: Visit the Commercial Crab Biotoxin Information webpage.

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

• Current biotoxin data for crab

• Current Biotoxin Data for Oregon Mussels and Clams
• Oregon Coast softshell clam advisory

  The Oregon Health Authority has issued an advisory for softshell clams along the entire Oregon Coast because they may contain high levels of naturally occurring arsenic.

• Oregon recreational shellfish closure map

  Click the link below to view a map of the Oregon coastline. Areas in green are open and areas in red are closed to recreational shellfish harvesting.

• Shellfish news from ODA

  ODA news blog with information on recreational shellfish beach closures in the State of Oregon. ODA news blog