Monday August 3, 2026
Sierra Sun Times —
Highlighting the dynamic nature of California’s ocean ecosystem, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Acting Director Valerie Termini closed the recreational razor clam fishery in Del Norte County (PDF) today following a recommendation from state health agencies that consumption of razor clams in the area poses a significant human health threat for domoic acid exposure.
At the same time, Termini lifted the commercial fishing restrictions on northern anchovy and Pacific sardine in Monterey Bay when taken for human consumption. This action comes after state health agencies recommended that northern anchovy and Pacific sardine no longer pose a human health risk if consumed.
Razor clam sampling from Crescent Beach in Del Norte County in mid-July found clams exceeding the current domoic acid federal action level. In Monterey Bay, however, samples in July show concentrations of domoic acid in northern anchovy and Pacific sardine have fallen below the federal action level that prohibit commercial distribution of seafood products for human consumption.