Central Oregon Coast: Bay Clams Closed at Alsea Estuary (Waldport) Due to Biotoxins

Published 09/03/2026 at 7:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Waldport, Oregon) – Two different new restrictions are in place along the Oregon coast because of biotoxins in seafood caught in the wild.

Softshell and bay clam harvesters are being urged to steer clear of the Alsea Bay estuary around Waldport after the Oregon Health Authority issued a recreational-use advisory for Eckman Lake, where tests detected cyanobacteria and extremely high levels of saxitoxin, a paralytic shellfish toxin.

“With Eckman Lake draining directly into the Alsea Bay estuary and that saxitoxins can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning, ODFW recommends that people avoid harvesting and eating softshell and bay clams harvested from the estuary,” OHA said.

Because Eckman Lake drains directly into the estuary, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is recommending that people avoid collecting or eating softshell and bay clams from the area.

Farther south on the coast, a broader closure went into effect late in August. Mussel harvesting has been shut down from Cape Blanco to the California border after recent samples showed domoic acid concentrations above the state’s safety threshold, according to the Oregon Department of Agriculture and ODFW.

State officials continue to urge anyone planning a trip to the coast to check conditions before harvesting. The Shellfish Safety Hotline at 1-800-448-2474 and ODA’s Recreational Shellfish Biotoxin Closures webpage carry current updates.

Harvest status along the Oregon coast:

Eckman Lake

Razor clams:
CLOSED from the Washington border to Tillamook Head for the annual conservation closure beginning July 15.
OPEN from Tillamook Head to Cape Blanco.
CLOSED from Cape Blanco to the California border.

Mussels:
CLOSED from Cape Blanco south to the California border.
OPEN north of Cape Blanco to the Washington border.

Bay clams:
OPEN coastwide except the Alsea estuary.

Crabs:
OPEN coastwide.

ODA conducts toxin testing at least twice monthly as tides and weather allow. Any closed area must show two consecutive clean tests before reopening.

For more information, call ODA’s 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. Contact ODFW for details on recreational licenses, permits, and harvest regulations.

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