Annual Conservation Closure for Razor Clams on N. Oregon Coast Begins July 15

Published 07/10/25 at 12:15 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Seaside, Oregon) - Clatsop beaches will temporarily close to razor clamming at 12:01 a.m. on July 15, as part of Oregon’s annual conservation effort led by the Department of Fish and Wildlife. The closure runs through September 30, offering young clams time to settle and mature along the vital stretch of coastline from Seaside to Warrenton, which holds over 90 percent of Oregon’s razor clam population.

ODFW encourages clammers to take advantage of the ongoing low tide series that began July 8 and ends July 14. Clamming is prohibited as of July 15, despite favorable tides that day.

Currently, recreational harvesting of razor clams is closed from Cape Blanco (near Port Orford) to the California border for high levels of the marine biotoxin domoic acid. From Cape Blanco northward – essentially the upper three-quarters of the Oregon coast – clamming is open.

This conservation closure has been in place since 1967, though its reopening on October 1 is not always guaranteed. Between 2020 and 2021, a harmful algae bloom prompted a year-long razor clamming shutdown along the north coast. Domoic acid has delayed other openings as well, but luckily not as lengthy as in 2021.

What is This Annoying Domoic Acid Stuff? And Why It's Affecting the Oregon / Washington Coast

Before heading out to harvest, ODFW reminds shellfishers to check biotoxin levels by calling the Shellfish Safety Hotline at 800-448-2474. A shellfishing license is required, and diggers must follow regulations including a daily limit of 15 clams and the use of individual containers.

Clam diggers must harvest their own catch and are permitted only one personal limit while in the clam digging area. Exceptions apply for those with an Oregon Disabilities Hunting and Fishing Permit.

Additional information, including tide charts, instructional videos, and licensing rules, can be found on ODFW’s official clamming page.

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