Can I Keep?Purple sea urchins Regulations in Oregon (2026)
Recreational purple sea urchins rules in Oregon saltwater, as published by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Last checked November 6, 2026.
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Purple sea urchins rules in Oregon
- Where
- All waters
- Bag limit
- 35
- Season
- Entire year and at all hours (exceptions are listed under “Harvest methods and restrictions” in the table below) and except when any state agency has issued a public health advisory. HEALTH ADVISORIES: Crabbing and clamming occasionally can be closed due to elevated levels of biotoxins or other health issues.
- May be taken by hand or hand-powered tools.
- Shellfish regulations article dated 2024-01-05.
- Always check ODA biotoxin closures before harvesting (https://www.oregon.gov/oda/food-safety/shellfish/pages/shellfish-closures.aspx).
- Unwanted marine invertebrates must be immediately released unharmed.
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- Ocean
- Use of any gas mixture other than atmospheric air for diving is prohibited when taking sea urchins or California sea cucumbers.
- Special harvesting permit required prior to harvesting purple urchins. Contact ODFW, Charleston for details.
- Individual restricted fishery permit required for each diver. Required in addition to a commercial fishing license for sea urchin or sea cucumber harvest.
- Sea urchins or sea cucumbers cannot be taken in water depths shallower than 10 feet at mean lower low water.
- During the period May 1 through August 31, sea urchins or sea cucumbers may not be taken within specific buffer zone at Pyramid rock at Rogue Reef.
- During the period May 1 through October 31, sea urchins or sea cucumbers may not be taken at Orford Reef, defined as the area between the parallels of latitude 42° 49’ N.
- ODFW 2026 Oregon Commercial Fishing Regulations Synopsis: condensed form of the OAR 'for the convenience of the commercial harvester and is not intended to replace the laws or administrative rules'; rules are subject to change during the year.
Quick answers
How many purple sea urchins can I keep in Oregon?
35.
When is purple sea urchins season in Oregon?
Entire year and at all hours (exceptions are listed under “Harvest methods and restrictions” in the table below) and except when any state agency has issued a public health advisory. HEALTH ADVISORIES: Crabbing and clamming occasionally can be closed due to elevated levels of biotoxins or other health issues.. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
More clams, oysters & scallops in Oregon
- Abalone
- Bay clams (butter, littleneck, gaper and cockle)
- Mussels
- Octopus
- Other clams (softshell, piddock and others not listed)
- Oysters
- Purple varnish clams
- Razor clams
- Scallops
- Sea stars
- Squid
All Oregon saltwater fishing regulations →
Source: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Most anglers need a Oregon saltwater license or registry: get one here.