Marine Toxins Postpone Coastal Razor Clam Digs

WASHINGTON — Plans to open Washington's coastal beaches for razor clam digging are on pause indefinitely after state wildlife officials reported a spike in marine toxins. The state Department of Fish and Wildlife said recent tests on razor clams found domoic acid levels near or exceeding guidelines for safe consumption set by the state Department of Health.

Domoic acid is a natural toxin produced by certain algae but can be harmful or deadly when concentrations are high, officials said.

“Because concentrations of domoic acid in razor clam samples have increased rapidly, we are acting out of an abundance of caution and putting a pause on opening all beaches,” said Dan Ayres, WDFW's coastal shellfish manager. “We will work closely with DOH and hopefully be able to open beaches sometime down the road.”

The state had planned to open Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks and Copalis beaches for the season starting this week. Originally, WDFW planned to welcome clam diggers over 56 days, citing a strong razor clam population and record turnout last year.

There still may be a way to salvage at least part of the season, and shellfish teams plan to regularly test razor clams with hopes to announce new dates when it is safe.

>> Learn more about razor clam digs in Washington on the WDFW website.