According to a press release, NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) are funding development of a harmful algal bloom (HAB) forecast in the Pacific Northwest to support management of shellfisheries, clamming beaches, and human health. The experimental monitoring and forecasting system will launch in 2017, with forecast bulletins predicting bloom location and concentration several days in advance.
This is very important news for razor clammers. While we do not know how to stop the HAB’s, predicting when and where they will hit should help Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife WDFW and Washington Department of Health WADOH focus resources where they will have the most impact and ensure razor clams are safe to eat.
Razor Clam Society 