OLYMPIA — Razor clam digging begins Friday at Copalis, Mocrocks and Twin Harbors beaches in Washington.
But Long Beach will remain closed because marine toxin tests show domoic acid levels exceed state health safety standards, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife says.
“This isn’t an ideal way to start a razor clam season, but public health has to be our first priority,” said Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager for the department. “We’re hopeful that this condition will clear up soon.”
Digging at Mocrocks and Copalis will be allowed Friday through Sunday. Low tides are 0.2 feet at 5:55 p.m. Friday, -0.6 feet at 6:42 p.m. Saturday and -1.1 feet at 7:28 p.m. on Sunday.
Digging at Twin Harbors will be open for six days, Friday through Oct. 19. Low tides are -1.4 feet at 8:16 p.m. Monday, -1.4 feet at 9:04 p.m. Tuesday and -1.1 feet at 9:55 p.m. Wednesday.
Elevated levels of domoic acid forced shellfish managers to cut short the spring razor clam season. Ocean beaches in Oregon are closed due to domoic acid, which is natural toxin produced by certain types of marine algae.
An annual razor clam license costs $14.10 for Washington residents. The license year is from April 1 through March 31. A three-day razor clam license costs $9.70 for state residents.
Diggers in Washington are allowed 15 razor clams per day and must keep the first 15 dug. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container.
The Department of Health has issued an interim advisory recommending that people who eat large amounts of razor clams year-round reduce their consumption.
A new study into health effects of long-term exposure to low levels of domoic acid in razor clams shows that people who eat more than 15 clams a month year-round may experience memory problems.
