Other commercial shellfish
Bay clams are harvested by licensed intertidal commercial harvesters and also by permitted subtidal divers. These clams are sold for human consumption or bait. Harvest focuses on cockles and gapers, though butter, littlenecks, and softshells are also landed. Historically landings and species targeted have been widely variable dependent on market demand.
Key management elements include:
- Limited entry permit system for sub-tidal harvest
- Harvest limits based on surveys
- Minimum size restrictions
- Depth restrictions (divers must be below 10’ MLLW)
- Area restrictions for human consumption product
- Seasonal restrictions for gapers based on spawning times (closed January to June)
- Handling requirements (e.g., bait clams must be dyed on site to prevent sale in human consumption markets)
- Gear restrictions (e.g., hand powered tools only (intertidal)
Industry notices
Contacts
Matt Hunter- Marine Resources Program, Astoria
Phone: (503) 325-2462
E-mail: Matthew.V.Hunter@odfw.oregon.gov
Mitch Vance - Marine Resources Program, Newport
Phone: (541) 867-4741
E-mail: Mitch.Vance@odfw.oregon.gov
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Commercial processing of razor clams for local markets |
Razor clams are harvested by licensed intertidal commercial harvesters. This commercial fishery dates back to the late 1800s and traditionally accounted for a high percentage of the total catch. Today, commercial activity accounts for an estimated 15% of the total razor clam harvest, the remaining harvest is recreational. Razor clam commercial harvest is nearly exclusive to Clatsop beach, which is the only area certified by the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) to sell razor clams for human consumption. Markets for commercial razor clams are mostly local human consumption sales, but also include bait markets.
Key management elements include:
- Logbook requirement
- Gear restrictions
- Area restrictions
- Handling requirements (same as bay clams)
- Seasonal restrictions
Contact
Matt Hunter- Marine Resources Program, Astoria
Phone: (503) 325-2462
E-mail: Matthew.V.Hunter@odfw.oregon.gov
Mussels, ghost and mud shrimp are harvested for bait. Ghost and mud shrimp are usually harvested in intertidal estuarine areas, mussels in rocky ocean areas. Miscellaneous marine invertebrates are occasionally harvested for educational and aquarium uses.
Key management elements include:
- Logbook requirements
- Area restrictions
- Gear restrictions
Contact
Matt Hunter- Marine Resources Program, Astoria
Phone: (503) 325-2462
E-mail: Matthew.V.Hunter@odfw.oregon.gov
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Spot prawn (or shrimp) |
Coonstripe (or dock) shrimp |
Spot prawns (Pandalus platyceros) and coonstripe shrimp (Pandalus danae) are open access fisheries. Full commercial licensing, legal landings, and logbooks are required. Pot fishing is the only legal method and some gear specifications must be met.
Contact
Scott Groth- Marine Resources Program, Charleston
Phone: (541) 888-5515
E-mail: Scott.D.Groth@odfw.oregon.gov
Contact
Mitch Vance - Marine Resources Program, Newport
Phone: (541) 867-4741
E-mail: Mitch.Vance@odfw.oregon.gov
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Oregon hair crab |
Brown box crab |
Contacts
Kelly Corbett - Marine Resources Program, Newport
Phone: (541) 867-4741
E-mail: Kelly.C.Corbett@odfw.oregon.gov
Troy Buell - Marine Resources Program, Newport
Phone: (541) 867-4741
E-mail: Troy.V.Buell@odfw.oregon.gov
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