Stay Eat Events Weather Beaches

Mussel Harvesting Back Open Along Entire Oregon Coast

Published 11/15/22 at 5:09 AM
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff

Mussel Harvesting Back Open Along Entire Oregon Coast

Latest Coastal Lodging News Alerts
In Seaside:
Includes exclusive listings; some specials in winter
In Cannon Beach:
Includes rentals not listed anywhere else
In Manzanita, Wheeler, Rockaway Beach:
Some specials for winter
In Pacific City, Oceanside:
Some specials for winter
In Lincoln City:
Some specials for winter
In Depoe Bay, Gleneden Beach:
Some specials for winter
In Newport:
Look for some specials
In Waldport
Some specials for winter
In Yachats, Florence
Some specials for winter
Southern Oregon Coast Hotels / Lodgings
Reedsport to Brookings, places to stay; winter deals

(Newport, Oregon) – Harvesting of mussels is back open again on the entire Oregon coast, after various closures starting in September because of the biotoxin domoic acid. Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) made the announcement yesterday after two consecutive weeks of testing showed the toxin below the closure limit. (Above: a sea star chomping on a mussel, courtesy Seaside Aquarium)

Meanwhile, razor clam harvesting remains closed along the entire Oregon coast and Washington coast because of domoic acid. ODFW said they are often slower to clear out the toxin from their tissues.

Bay clam and crab harvesting are open along the Oregon coastline.

ODA will continue testing shellfish for toxins every two weeks, as tides and weather permit. In order to reopen an area that has been closed because of biotoxins there must be two consecutive tests below the limit.

ODFW said there are two main species of mussels along the rocky intertidal areas of the coast.

“Bay mussels (Mytilus edulis) are bluish-black and grow to about 3 inches in length,” ODFW said. “California surf mussels (Mytilus californianus) are brown or black and grow to about 7 inches long.”

To find them, look to the upper tidal zone at low tides. Rocky areas like those at Oceanside and some areas around Cannon Beach should yield some finds.

The technique you should use, according to ODFW, is twisting them off the rocks while pulling – all the time wearing gloves. Immediately pull off the “beard” area off the bottom that had anchored the shellfish to the rocks.

For more information, call ODA’s shellfish biotoxin safety hotline (800) 448-2474, the Food Safety Division at 503-986-4720, or visit the ODA Shellfish Biotoxin Closures webpage.

Oregon Coast Hotels in this area - South Coast Hotels - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours


MORE PHOTOS BELOW






Booking.com








Photo below Seaside Aquarium

More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....


Coastal Spotlight


LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles

Two Vehicle Arrests on S. Oregon Coast This Weekend: High-Speed Chase, DUI Cr...
As a deputy was in the middle of one traffic stop a crash occurred near him; high-speed chase on motorcycle. Safety, true crime, Coos Bay, Bandon

Sneaker Wave Alerts From S. Oregon Coast to Central Washington Coast - 16-ft ...
High tides will worsen it Friday; even higher waves are possible. Weather

South Oregon Coast's Wreck of the Sujameco: Where (and When) to Find It
Coos Bay: the other big wreck of the coastline at Horsfall Beach. History

Coast Guard Helicopters Involved in Two Rescues: Southern Oregon and Cape Kiw...
Hiker lost in in Illinois Valley for a week; two surfers at Cape Kiwanda. Safety

Arch at Neptune Beach Near Yachats: Rising and Falling of Oregon Coast Landmark
A small beauty that changes height at times between Florence and Yachats

Capping Either End of Cannon Beach: Two Different Charmers of the N. Oregon C...
Like a pair of bookends, two of its more engaging places to stay cap either end. Cannon Beach hotel reviews, Schooner's Cove Inn, the Wayside Inn, Seaside hotel reviews

Work on Oregon-to-Washington Coast Bridge Over: Timelapse of Astoria-Megler P...
Crews took down the last remnant of the toll booths after becoming unstable

Yachats Mushroom Treasure Hunt Returns to Wilds of Oregon Coast Forest Trails
On the trails between Yachats and Heceta Head through February 28. Yachats events


Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted