Shellfish Aquaculture Permits in Oregon Step 7: Commercial Shellfish Food Safety Licenses
Guide to Shellfish Aquaculture Permits in Oregon
Commercial Shellfish Food Safety Licenses
Commercial shellfish growers selling clams, oysters, mussels, or whole scallops for human consumption in Oregon must obtain commercial shellfish licenses from the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA). These licenses are required under the National Shellfish Sanitation Program, and you can apply for them after obtaining a lease and necessary permits.
A “Grower” license is required for people engaged in shellfish aquaculture. An additional commercial shellfish license is required to sell products when your crop is ready: “Harvester,” “Shellstock Shipper,” or “Shucker-Packer.” You will need an ODA lease or a land ownership agreement before any ODA licenses can be issued. Contact the Food Safety Program at foodsafety@oda.oregon.gov or (503) 986-4721 to be connected with a local inspector and begin the licensing process.
Wet Storage
Contact ODA’s Food Safety Program to apply for a wet storage permit. Licensed Harvesters are not permitted to ‘wet store’ shellstock; only licensed Shellstock Shippers or Shucker-Packers can apply for a wet storage permit.
Canning
In addition to a Shucker-Packer license, you will need a food processor’s license from ODA to commercially can shellfish. If you are commercially canning clams or mussels, you will also need a Wholesale Fish Dealer License from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Resources
Permitting Steps
- Step 1: Scope Your Site
- Step 2: Apply for a Shellfish Plat Lease*
- Step 3: Choose Your Federal Permit Application
- Step 4: Local Government Review
- Step 5: Federal Regulatory Agency Permits and Approvals
- Step 6: Removal-Fill Permit*
- Step 7: Commercial Shellfish Food Safety Licenses
- Step 8: Mariculture Transport Permit
Contact
Teri King
Regional Aquaculture Coordinator - Oregon and Washington
West Coast Region
Office: (360) 999-7571
teri.king@noaa.gov