CDFW News

Del Norte County Razor Clam Fishery Opens Under a Continuing Health Advisory for Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 15:30:01 GMT

The Director of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has re-opened the recreational razor clam fishery in Del Norte County (PDF) following a recommendation from state health agencies that domoic acid no longer poses a significant threat (PDF).

While the razor clam fishery has reopened due to recent tests for domoic acid, the bivalve shellfish health advisory for Del Norte County issued by California Department of Public Health on July 3, 2025, warning consumers not to consume any sport-harvested bivalves (including razor clams, mussels, scallops, and clams, etc.) due to dangerous levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins remains in effect. The razor clam fishery remains closed in Humboldt County due to elevated levels of domoic acid.

The razor clam fishery was closed in Del Norte County due to elevated levels of domoic acid in November 2023. State health agencies have continued to monitor domoic acid levels in razor clams since the closure, but test results consistently showed elevated levels, exceeding the federal action level (≥20 parts per million (ppm)). Clams collected in June and July 2025 from Crescent Beach, Del Norte County all had domoic acid concentrations lower than the federal action level, allowing the fishery to reopen. However, PSP toxicity caused by a different marine plankton species continues to be a concern. Testing for PSP and other toxins will continue. For the latest areas under health advisories issued by CDPH, please refer to their Recreational Bivalve Shellfish Health Advisory Map, which includes recent bivalve testing data reports.

CDFW reminds clammers that the daily bag limit for razor clams is 20 and the first 20 clams dug must be retained regardless of size or condition. The fishery in odd-numbered years is open north of Battery Point, Crescent City in Del Norte County. Each person is required to keep a separate container for their clams and is not allowed to commingle their take with another person when digging and transporting clams to shore.

For more information, please refer to Section 29.20 Clams General and Section 29.45 for specific razor clam regulations that can be accessed from the Ocean Sport Fishing Regulation Guide (PDF).

For more information on any fishery closure information or health advisories, please visit https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Health-Advisories.

To get the latest information on current fishing season closures related to domoic acid, call CDFW’s Domoic Acid Fishery Closure Information Line at (831) 649-2883.

For the latest consumption warnings, call the California Department of Public Health’s Biotoxin information Line at (510) 412-4643 or toll-free at (800) 553-4133. For more information on the Annual Mussel Quarantine, please visit California Department of Public Health’s FAQs: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DRSEM/Pages/EMB/Shellfish/Annual-Mussel-Quarantine.aspx

Currently, ongoing tsunami advisories across portions of the California coast may inhibit coastal access. For additional information related to active and ongoing tsunami advisories in California, please visit U.S. Tsunami Warning Centers.

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Media Contacts:
Christy Juhasz, CDFW Marine Region, (707) 292-2480
Kaitlin Talbot, CDFW Communications,

Fish and Wildlife Director Closes Razor Clam Fishery in Del Norte County

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 16:13:18 GMT

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Director has closed the recreational razor clam fishery in Del Norte County (PDF) following a recommendation from state health agencies (PDF) that the consumption of razor clams in the area poses a significant threat for domoic acid exposure.

Domoic acid is a neurotoxin produced by Pseudo-nitzschia, a naturally occurring single-celled, marine alga, under certain ocean conditions. Bivalve shellfish, like clams and mussels, accumulate the toxin without being harmed. Razor clams are known to bioaccumulate domoic acid and it may not clear their system until long after a Pseudo-nitzschia bloom has abated.

Razor clam sampling from Crescent Beach in Del Norte County in early November found clams exceeding the current federal action level for domoic acid of greater than or equal to 20 parts per million.

Domoic acid poisoning in humans may occur within minutes to hours after consumption of affected seafood and can result in signs and symptoms ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to permanent loss of short-term memory (Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning), coma or death. There is no way to prepare clams that will remove the toxin – cooking and freezing have no effect.

CDFW will continue to work with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment to collect, monitor and analyze razor clams to determine when the recreational clam fishery in Del Norte County can reopen safely.

While the recreational fishery in Humboldt County is currently open, razor clam sampling is ongoing. If domoic acid levels exceed federal action levels, the fishery will be closed. CDFW reminds clammers that the daily bag limit for razor clams is 20 and the first 20 clams dug must be retained regardless of size or condition. Each person is required to keep a separate container for their clams and is not allowed to commingle their take with another person when digging and transporting clams to shore.

For more information, please refer to Title 14, California Code of Regulations sections 29.20 and 29.45 for razor clam regulations that can be accessed on CDFW’s website.

For more information on any fishery closure or health advisories, please visit CDFW’s ocean health advisories website.

To get the latest information on current fishing season closures related to domoic acid, please call CDFW’s Domoic Acid Fishery Closure Information Line at (831) 649-2883.

For the latest consumption warnings, please call the California Department of Public Health’s Biotoxin Information Line at (510) 412-4643 or toll-free at (800) 553-4133.

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Media Contacts:
Christy Juhasz, CDFW Marine Region, (707) 292-2480
Jordan Traverso, CDFW Communications, (916) 212-7352

CDFW to Host In-Person Public Meetings to Discuss North Coast Elk Management

Wed, 17 May 2023 12:41:25 GMT

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will hold two public, in-person meetings on May 22 and 23, 2023, in Humboldt and Del Norte counties, respectively, to provide information and receive input regarding elk management within the North Coast Roosevelt Elk Management Unit.

The meetings will provide a brief update on the current status of the elk population within the North Coast Roosevelt Elk Management Unit and offer an opportunity to discuss and collaborate with local partners on current and future management directions, policies and regulations. CDFW is seeking input from community partners during these meetings to refine and finalize plans specific to the North Coast Roosevelt Elk Management Unit as outlined in the 2018 Elk Conservation and Management Plan (PDF).

These meetings are in-person only with no virtual options to attend.

Monday, May 22 – Humboldt County
Humboldt Grange Hall
5845 Humboldt Hill Road, Eureka, 95503
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a break from noon to 1 p.m.
Tuesday, May 23 – Del Norte County
Lake Earl Grange Hall
6820 Lake Earl Drive, Fort Dick, 95538
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a break from noon to 1 p.m.

For more information about these meetings, or if you cannot attend and would like to submit questions or comments, please contact CDFW Senior Environmental Scientist Shawn Fresz at (707) 601-6281 or by e-mail at Shawn.Fresz@wildlife.ca.gov.

CDFW photo of Roosevelt elk by Tim Walton

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Media Contacts:
Shawn Fresz, CDFW Northern Region, (707) 601-6281
Peter Tira, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858

Razor Clam Fishery Closes in Del Norte County Due to Public Health Hazard

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 13:06:08 GMT

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Director Charlton H. Bonham has closed the recreational razor clam fishery in Del Norte County (PDF) following a recommendation from state health agencies (PDF) determining that consumption of razor clams in the area poses a significant threat for domoic acid exposure.

Pseudo-nitzschia, a naturally occurring single-celled, marine alga, produces the potent neurotoxin domoic acid under certain ocean conditions. Bivalve shellfish, like clams and mussels, accumulate the toxin without being harmed. In fact, razor clams are known to bioaccumulate domoic acid, meaning it may not clear their system until long after a bloom has abated.

Sampling of razor clams from Crescent Beach in Crescent City in late October found clams exceeding the current federal action level for domoic acid of greater than or equal to 20 parts per million.

Domoic acid poisoning in humans may occur within minutes to hours after consumption of affected seafood and can result in signs and symptoms ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to permanent loss of short-term memory (Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning), coma or death. There is no way to prepare clams for consumption that will remove the toxin – cooking and freezing have no effect.

For more information on any fishery closure or health advisories, please visit: www.wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Health-Advisories

To get the latest information on current fishing season closures related to domoic acid, please call CDFW’s Domoic Acid Fishery Closure Information Line at (831) 649-2883.

For the latest consumption warnings, please call CDPH’s Biotoxin information Line at (510) 412-4643 or toll-free at (800) 553-4133.

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Media Contacts:
Christy Juhasz, CDFW Marine Region, (707) 292-2480
Jordan Traverso, CDFW Communications, (916) 212-7352

CDFW to Hold Public Outreach Meeting on Lake Earl Wildlife Area in Del Norte County

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 13:23:55 GMT

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will hold an in-person public outreach meeting Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022, to solicit input on the management of the Lake Earl Wildlife Area in Del Norte County. Topics to be discussed include public access, habitat conditions, current and future restoration efforts.

Members of the public and partnering organizations are encouraged to attend. The meeting will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Howonquet Hall and Community Center, 101 Indian Court, Smith River, Calif. The meeting will also be accessible virtually through the Microsoft Teams platform. Please email CDFW’s Northern Region Lands and Wildlife Program Supervisor Shawn Fresz at Shawn.Fresz@wildlife.ca.gov for a meeting link and instructions for submitting comments and questions.

Lake Earl is a 6,100-acre wildlife area that borders the Pacific Ocean. Sand dunes extending inland are covered with scattered beach grasses and other vegetation. The area encompasses Lakes Earl and Tolowa, two lagoons connected by a deep channel known as “The Narrows,” and bordered by saltwater and freshwater marshes. Lake Earl is the largest coastal lagoon on the West Coast. Farther inland, the area ends in upland fields and forest of Sitka spruce and pine trees. Some of the diverse wildlife species found at the areas include quail, grouse, canvasback, western grebe, coastal black-tailed deer and beaver.

Recreational activities popular at the Lake Earl Wildlife Area include fishing, boating, hiking, birding and waterfowl hunting.

CDFW Photo of American wigeon

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Media Contacts:
Shawn Fresz, CDFW Northern Region, (707) 601-6281
Peter Tira, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858