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Razor Clam Harvest Remains Closed Due To Toxins

High levels of domoic acid have led officials to keep coastal clamming areas in Oregon and Washington closed.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Surfing

A weathered metal clam rake rests on a misty, deserted beach in the Pacific Northwest, illustrating a regional shellfish harvest closure.
Officials in Oregon and Washington have suspended all razor clam harvesting due to high concentrations of dangerous domoic acid toxins. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you support closing local clamming grounds when marine toxin levels exceed safety limits?

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has confirmed that razor clam harvests remain suspended across the region. Testing at Clatsop Beach shows that toxin concentrations have surged well past safe limits.

Why it matters

Consuming razor clams with elevated levels of domoic acid poses significant health risks to the public. The toxin, produced by marine algae, frequently blooms in warmer waters tied to El Niño conditions.

Razor clam testing on Oct. 19 revealed a domoic acid concentration of 96 parts per million, a significant increase from 44 parts per million on Oct. 2. The safety limit for human consumption is set at 20 parts per million.

The players

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

This state agency is responsible for managing the wildlife and habitats of Oregon and conducting safety testing for shellfish harvests.

The details

Toxin levels have risen sharply throughout the autumn, climbing from 10 parts per million in mid-September to the current high of 96 parts per million. The closure affects beaches in both Oregon and Washington, including the Long Beach Peninsula where an earlier harvest had to be cancelled.

Timeline

  1. Sept. 14: Domoic acid levels were recorded at 10 parts per million.

  2. Sept. 30: Concentrations reached 22 parts per million on the Long Beach Peninsula.

  3. Oct. 2: Testing showed levels at 44 parts per million.

  4. Oct. 9: A scheduled harvest on the Long Beach Peninsula was cancelled.

  5. Oct. 19: Toxin levels surged to 96 parts per million.

Season Trajectory

The current surge in domoic acid levels follows a pattern set by historical El Niño events which increase coastal water temperatures. This environmental shift continues to disrupt the regional harvest schedule and complicates plans for the upcoming commercial crabbing season.

The ongoing closure forces a complete suspension of recreational razor clam harvesting across the affected coastal areas. Harvesters should remain alert for future status changes as the state continues monitoring toxin levels for safety compliance.

The takeaway

Marine algae blooms are a natural occurrence that can quickly make shellfish dangerous for human consumption. Residents should prioritize checking local wildlife agency alerts before planning any coastal gathering activities.

What happens next

The commercial crabbing season is expected to begin in December, though official updates on the start date are not anticipated for several weeks.

Further reading

For more on coastal environmental conditions, visit the Surfing section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by The Astorian.

Live Poll

Do you support closing local clamming grounds when marine toxin levels exceed safety limits?