OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is delaying razor clam digs at Long Beach and reviewing openings at other ocean beaches because of rising marine toxin levels.
State coastal shellfish manager Dan Ayres says digs at Long Beach are on hold until tests show toxin levels have dropped and the clams are safe to eat.
Officials say they’ll continue to monitor toxin levels to determine whether razor clam digging can proceed at Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks beaches.
Elevated levels of domoic acid forced state shellfish managers to cut short the razor clam season in the spring of 2015 and delay opening last fall.
Domoic acid, a natural toxin produced by certain types of marine algae, can be harmful or fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities.
