California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Director Meghan Hertel has opened the recreational razor clam fishery in Del Norte County (PDF) following a recommendation from state health agencies (PDF) that domoic acid no longer poses a significant threat ;to human health if consumed.
The razor clam fishery was closed on July 31 in Del Norte County due to elevated levels of domoic acid. Clams sampled in July and August 2026 from Crescent Beach, Del Norte County, all had domoic acid concentrations lower than the federal action level, allowing the fishery to reopen.
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 as they monitor ocean indicators for domoic acid presence and continue to test razor clams from Northern California. This will ;determine when the recreational razor clam fishery can be reopened safely in Humboldt County while ensuring razor clams are safe to harvest in Del Norte County.
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 is open south 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.
Recreational clam fishery regulations can be found in the Ocean Sport Fishing Regulation Guide (PDF) refer to Section 29.20 for general clam regulations and Section 29.45 for specific razor clam regulations.
Health advisory information will be updated on CDFW’s fishery information and health advisories page.
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 California Department of Public Health’s Biotoxin Information Line at (510) 412-4643 or toll-free at (800) 553-4133.
###
Media Contacts:
Christy Juhasz, CDFW Marine Region, (707) 292-2480
Krysten Kellum, CDFW Communications (916) 825-7120