CDPH Lifts Domoic Acid Warning for Del Norte County Razor Clams
August 31, 2026
SN26-017
What You Need to Know: CDPH has removed the warning that advised against eating sport-harvested razor clams from the waters of Del Norte County.
SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has lifted the shellfish safety notification today related to sport-harvested razor clams from Del Norte County.
The safety notification for Del Norte County was issued on July 31, 2026, due to dangerous levels of domoic acid in razor clams. The warning only applied to razor clams as they concentrate and retain domoic acid toxin in their meat and tissues at higher levels and for longer time than other species of bivalve shellfish. Domoic acid is a marine biotoxin that can cause amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP). ASP can cause severe illness or death in humans. Recent testing shows domoic acid has decreased to safe levels in razor clams in this area.
While this warning for razor clams in Del Norte County has been lifted, the annual mussel quarantine remains in effect. The annual quarantine prohibits the sport-harvest of mussels for human consumption and applies to all species of mussels harvested along the California coast, as well as all bays and estuaries, and will continue through at least October 31. Additionally, there is a razor clam advisory for Humboldt County (issued May 2, 2024) due to domoic acid.