Oregon’s central coast is now open to harvesting of razor clams, the Oregon Department of Agriculture announced Friday.
Razor clam harvesting is now allowed between Seaside and Waldport. Officials say levels of the biotoxin domoic acid have fallen below closure levels. Domoic acid is not dangerous to the clams, but can make humans ill if ingested and can even lead to short-term memory loss.
In this OPB file photo from 2017, Seaview resident Andi Day digs for razor clams in Long Beach, using a clam gun passed down from her grandmother.
Molly Solomon / OPB
Symptoms of amnesic shellfish poisoning, which is caused by domoic acid, include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and confusion.
An area must have two consecutive tests below closure level before the state will open it to harvesting.
The total area for razor clams now stretches from the Washington border to Cape Blanco.
Harvesting of bay clams, crabs and mussels remains open across the entire Oregon Coast.
Harvesters are encouraged to contact the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for license requirements, permits and limits on catches.