The recreational razor clam fishery in Del Norte County has been closed due to unsafe levels of domoic acid in the shellfish, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said. Samples collected in late September at Crescent Beach exceeded the federal action level for the neurotoxin.
Domoic acid is produced by a naturally occurring marine alga species, Pseudo-nitzschia, and can accumulate in shellfish and other organisms without making them ill. At low levels, human exposure can cause nausea, diarrhea and dizziness. Higher exposures can cause persistent short-term memory loss, seizures and, in severe cases, death.
The samples exceeded the current federal action level of 20 parts per million, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
A recreational razor clam fishery in nearby Humboldt County has remained closed since May 2024 due to elevated domoic acid levels. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife said it will coordinate with state health agencies to determine when the Del Norte County fishery can reopen.
For the latest information on fishing closures related to domoic acid, people can contact the Domoic Acid Fishery Closure Information Line at (831) 649-2883.