Del Norte razor clams close again after late-September domoic acid samples

Del Norte County’s recreational razor clam fishery is closed. California Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Meghan Hertel ordered the shutdown on Oct. 9, 2026, after state health agencies said eating razor clams there poses a significant risk of domoic acid exposure.

Samples collected in late September at Crescent Beach met or exceeded the federal action level of 20 parts per million. Domoic acid is a neurotoxin produced by the marine alga Pseudo-nitzschia. It can build up in clams that still look healthy. CDFW says low exposure can cause nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness, and higher exposure can cause short-term memory loss, seizures, and in severe cases death.

The county had reopened on Aug. 31 after earlier samples fell. Humboldt County’s recreational razor clam fishery remains closed. That closure has been in effect since May 2, 2024, and it stays until health agencies say the clams no longer pose a risk. CDFW will work with those agencies before Del Norte can reopen.

Closure status is posted on CDFW’s in-season ocean page and the marine health-advisories page. The domoic acid fishery line is (831) 649-2883. Consumption warnings are on the California Department of Public Health shellfish advisories page, at (510) 412-4643, or toll-free at (800) 553-4133.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: CDFW — Del Norte County Recreational Razor Clam Fishery Closes Due to Public Health Hazard (Oct. 9, 2026). Also: in-season changes and health advisories.