DEL NORTE COUNTY — The recreational razor clam fishery in Del Norte County has reopened following a monthlong closure prompted by concerns over elevated levels of domoic acid, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).
CDFW Director Meghan Hertel reopened the fishery after state health agencies determined that domoic acid levels no longer pose a significant threat to human health from consuming razor clams harvested in the area.
The fishery closed July 31, 2026, after elevated levels of domoic acid, a naturally occurring marine toxin, raised public health concerns. According to CDFW, clams sampled from Crescent Beach in July and August had domoic acid concentrations below the federal action level, allowing recreational harvesting to resume.
The reopening applies to Del Norte County waters south of Battery Point in Crescent City.
While Del Norte County has reopened, the recreational razor clam fishery in neighboring Humboldt County remains closed because of elevated domoic acid levels. That closure has been in effect since May 2024 and will remain in place until state health agencies determine that razor clams are safe for consumption.
CDFW will continue working with the California Department of Public Health and Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment to monitor ocean conditions and test razor clams in Northern California.
Anglers and clammers should note that the daily bag limit is 20 razor clams, and the first 20 clams dug must be retained regardless of size or condition. Each person also must keep their catch in a separate container, and clams may not be combined with another person’s catch while digging or transporting them to shore.
Because domoic acid conditions can change, CDFW recommends checking current fishery closures and health advisories before harvesting shellfish. Current regulations and health advisory information are available through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife at wildlife.ca.gov.
