The Oregon Seal Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife  
ignore
 » ODFW Home    » ODFW News Releases
ignore
ignore
ignore
About Us Fishing Hunting Viewing License/Regs Conservation Living With Wildlife Education
ignore
ignore
Elk ODFW RESOURCES
News Releases
ignore

Recreational ocean and bay crabbing closed from the Coos Bay North Jetty to Heceta Head

February 1, 2017

NEWPORT, Ore.-- The Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced today the immediate closure of the recreational crab fishery from the Coos Bay North Jetty to Heceta Head, north of Florence, due to elevated levels of domoic acid. This closure includes Winchester Bay and the Siuslaw River in Florence. Crabbing within Coos Bay remains open.

Elevated domoic acid levels were found in the viscera of Dungeness crab collected offshore near Winchester Bay, triggering a biotoxin closure. The remaining areas of the coastline south of Coos Bay and north of Heceta Head will remain open for recreational crabbing. Decisions regarding the commercial fishery for the affected area will be made soon.

It is recommended that crab always be eviscerated prior to cooking. Evisceration includes removing and discarding the internal organs and gills. Despite the closure, crab and shellfish products sold in retail markets and restaurants remain safe for consumers.

Domoic acid or amnesic shellfish toxin can cause minor to severe illness and even death. Severe poisoning can result in dizziness, headaches, vomiting and diarrhea. More severe cases can result in memory loss and death. Shellfish toxins are produced by algae and originate in the ocean. Toxins cannot be removed by cooking, freezing or any other treatment. ODA will continue to test for toxins in the coming weeks. Removal of the advisory requires two consecutive tests in the safe range.

For more information, call ODA’s shellfish safety information hotline at (800) 448-2474 or visit the ODA shellfish closures web page.

###

   

Contact:

Justin Ainsworth
Oregon Fish and Wildlife
Justin.C.Ainsworth@state.or.us
541-867-0300 x288

 
facebook twitter youtube rss feed
ignore
ignore  
 


About Us | Fishing | Crabbing & Clamming | Big Game Hunting | Game Bird Hunting | Wildlife Viewing | License / Regs | Conservation | Living with Wildlife | Education | Workday Login

ODFW Home | Driving Directions | Employee Directory | Social Media | Oregon.gov | File Formats | Employee Webmail | ODFW License Agents | Accessibility

4034 Fairview Industrial Drive SE   ::   Salem, OR 97302   ::    Main Phone (503) 947-6000 or (800) 720-ODFW [6339]

Do you have a question or comment for ODFW? Contact ODFW's Public Service Representative at: odfw.info@odfw.oregon.gov
Share your opinion or comments on a Fish and Wildlife Commission issue at: odfw.commission@odfw.oregon.gov
Do you need this information in an alternative format or language? Contact 503-947-6000 or click here.





   © ODFW. All rights reserved. This page was last updated: 02/02/2017 10:14 AM