Highlighting the dynamic nature of California’s ocean ecosystem, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Acting Director Valerie Termini closed the recreational razor clam fishery in Del Norte County (PDF) today following a recommendation from state health agencies (PDF) that consumption of razor clams in the area poses a significant human health threat for domoic acid exposure.
At the same time, Termini lifted the commercial fishing restrictions on northern anchovy and Pacific sardine (PDF) in Monterey Bay when taken for human consumption. This action comes after state health agencies recommended (PDF) that northern anchovy and Pacific sardine no longer pose a human health risk if consumed.
Razor clam sampling from Crescent Beach in Del Norte County in mid-July (PDF) found clams exceeding the current domoic acid federal action level. In Monterey Bay, however, samples in July show concentrations of domoic acid (PDF) in northern anchovy and Pacific sardine have fallen below the federal action level that prohibit commercial distribution of seafood products for human consumption.
Domoic acid is a potent neurotoxin that under certain conditions is produced by Pseudo-nitzschia, a naturally occurring, single-celled marine alga. Domoic acid can accumulate in fish without the organism itself becoming ill. At low levels, domoic acid exposure can cause nausea, diarrhea and dizziness in humans. At higher levels, it can cause persistent short-term memory loss, seizures and can in some cases be fatal.
The recreational razor clam fishery in Humboldt County remains closed due to elevated levels of domoic acid. The closure, which began in May 2024, remains in effect until state health agencies determine razor clams no longer pose a health risk.
CDFW will continue to work with the California Department of Public Health and Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment to collect, monitor and analyze razor clams to determine when the recreational razor clam fishery can be reopened safely in these areas.
Information will be updated on CDFW’s fishery information and health advisories
To get the latest information on current fishing season closures related to domoic acid, call CDFW’s Domoic Acid Fishery 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.
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Media Contacts:
Christy Juhasz, Razor Clams, CDFW Marine Region, (707) 292-2480
John Ugoretz, Sardine and Anchovy, CDFW Marine Region, (562) 338-3068
Krysten Kellum, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120