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Washington Postpones Razor Clam Season Over Rising Marine Toxin
The digs set for October 9 to 14 on four coastal beaches are off until tests come back clean.
Washington's recreational razor clam season, scheduled to open October 9 through 14 on four coastal beaches, is postponed until further notice, the Department of Fish and Wildlife announced October 6. Domoic acid levels in test clams are rising and have exceeded state health guidelines in places.
A domoic acid bloom is moving up the coast, the department's coastal shellfish biologist said, with closure-level samples at Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Clatsop Beach in northwest Oregon, and is beginning to show north of Grays Harbor. The toxin, produced by certain marine algae, can be harmful or fatal if eaten in sufficient quantity. Before a beach can open, the state Department of Health requires two samples taken seven to 10 days apart, both under the guideline.
The department had scheduled 40 days of tentative digs between October 9 and December 27 at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks. Its summer survey found fewer clams than in recent years at Copalis and Mocrocks, so expect fewer digging days there once the season does open; Twin Harbors and Long Beach remain above average.
Domoic acid closed the season early in 2020–21 and for part of 2022–23. New dates will be announced when tests allow; the department takes comments on dig schedules at [email protected].
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