2026 Annual Mussel Quarantine Order by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH)

Author: Environmental Health Staff
Date: 5/1/2026 8:11 AM

This order is effective May 1 through October 31, 2026.

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A quarantine is hereby established on all species of mussels taken for human consumption by recreational sport harvesters from the ocean shore of California. The quarantine area extends from the Oregon border south to the Mexican border, including all bays, inlets, and harbors.

This quarantine is established to protect and preserve the public health under the authority of Section 131056 of the California Health and Safety Code. During the quarantine season, mussels may concentrate naturally occurring toxins that are highly poisonous to humans.

Please refer to the documents below for quarantine details and background information.

2026 CDPH Annual Mussel Quarantine Order English
2026 CDPH Annual Mussel Quarantine Order Spanish
2026 Annual Mussel Quarantine Background Information