Mussel Harvest Abruptly Closed on Most of Northern Oregon Coast Due to Biotoxin

Published 06/27/25 at 6:46 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Oceanside, Oregon) – [UPDATES - Mussel Gathering is Closed on Almost Half of Coast] -- Another set of mussel closures has hit the Oregon coast, with officials having to halt recreational gathering from Cannon Beach down to Florence. (Photo Seaside Aquarium)

However, another closure for clamming looms in the near future.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) announced Friday that mussel harvesting is now closed from Tillamook Head, just south of Seaside, to the north jetty of the Siuslaw River in Florence due to elevated levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), a naturally occurring marine biotoxin.

Officials urge the public to check the Shellfish Safety Hotline at 800-448-2474 or visit the ODA’s Recreational Shellfish Biotoxin Closures webpage before harvesting shellfish.

Photo Seaside Aquarium

Current shellfish harvesting conditions vary along the Oregon coast. Mussel harvesting remains open from the Washington border to Tillamook Head and from the north jetty of the Siuslaw River to the California border, but the Tillamook-to-Florence stretch is closed.

Razor clam harvesting is permitted from the Washington border to Cape Blanco, but the area from Cape Blanco (Port Orford) to the California state line is off-limits.

Bay clam and crab harvesting remain open statewide, leaving hot spots like Bandon, Seaside or Newport still a go for those morsels.

Otter Rock - Oregon Coast Beach Connection

ODA conducts routine biotoxin testing at least twice a month, depending on tides and weather. Reopening closed areas requires two consecutive toxin tests showing levels below the safety threshold.

For updates and shellfish safety information, contact the ODA biotoxin hotline, the ODA Food Safety Program at 503-986-4720, or refer to the department's online resources. Licensing information and harvest regulations are available through ODFW.

Meanwhile, on the Washington coast, the razor clam season has ended.

Coos Bay - courtesy Oregon's Adventure Coast

In Oregon, the annual conservation closure for razor clams is expected to begin July 15, halting razor clam harvesting from Seaside to the tip of Warrenton through September 30. The closure, in place since 1967, protects juvenile clams during their establishment on Clatsop County's 18-mile stretch of beach, which accounts for over 90 percent of Oregon’s razor clam population.

Oregon Coast Hotels for this event - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours

MORE PHOTOS BELOW

Old, Authentic Oregon Coast Motor Lodge Converted Into Colorful Boutique Motel
History and histrionics: one outstanding yet funky little motel on the outer edges. Newport hotel reviews, lodging news, Newport lodging

Off The Beaten Path In Lincoln City, View to Gnarly or Nice on Oregon Coast
Nothing but surf and lovely amenities in a hidden part of Lincoln City. Lincoln City hotel reviews. Pelican Shores Inn

Getting Oregon Coast Stays on the 'Lowdown' - Where Lincoln City Cut Rates
Excellent Lincoln City specials abound. Lincoln City hotel reviews. Inn at Wecoma, Surfland, Coho Lodge

Some Oregon Coast Vacation Rental Hotspots Getting Rarer - Availability in Li...
7 Jul 2026 at 8:01pm
Summer is filling up faster in some areas: what's left. Keystone reviews, Depoe Bay hotel reviews, Lincoln City hotel reviews

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

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

Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles)

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