Tag: #domoic acid

Copalis Beach Digs Confirmed

Leave a comment

In a press release found here, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers confirmed three days of razor clam digging at Copalis Beach beginning Friday, February 3, followed by additional opportunities on Feb. 5 and Feb. 7.

As previously reported, the 2022-2023 razor clam season has been held up by high levels of domoic acid in the clams making them unsafe to eat. The levels remain within the safety margin at Copalis Beach ONLY.

The Washington Department of Health (WDOH) labs indicate domoic acid levels at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, and Mocrocks beaches were still above the health guideline levels. WDOH requires that two test samples taken around seven days apart must fall under the health guideline level before a beach can reopen for razor clam digging

Domoic acid, a natural toxin produced by certain types of marine algae, can be harmful or fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities.

WDFW shellfish staff will continue to regularly dig test samples of razor clams to monitor the situation.

Be sure to get your official Razor Clam Society T-shirt while supplies last.

Be sure to check out the Razor Clam Society Beach Map to know where and when to dig.

Approved Dig Dates, Tide Times, and Beach Locations Appear Below.

Digging is allowed during the evening low tide only:

  • Feb. 3, Friday, 5:37 p.m.; -0.1 feet; Copalis only
  • Feb. 5, Sunday, 6:43 p.m.; -0.2 feet; Copalis only
  • Feb. 7, Tuesday, 7:42 p.m.; 0.1 feet; Copalis only

2022-2023 recreational hunting and fishing licenses are required as of April 1.

The DAILY LIMIT per person is 15 clams, no matter what condition they are in, once removed from the sand, the clams must be kept. Digging is prohibited in the razor clam reserve located just south of the Ocean City approach on Copalis, which are marked by 10-foot poles with signs. Always check with official sources if you have any questions. All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. And, each digger must keep their razor clams in a separate container. Don’t mix your clams. Licenses, ranging from a three-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license, are available from license vendors around the state and WDFW’s licensing customer service number at (360) 902-2464.

Razor Clam Beaches Closed- Season Postponed Until Further Notice

Leave a comment

According to a press release from Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) recreational razor clam season on coastal beaches is postponed effective immediately until further notice.

The press release stated:

Test results on razor clams indicate domoic acid levels are trending upward or, on most beaches, have exceeded the health guidelines for safe consumption set by Washington Department of Health (WDOH) officials.

“Recent storms appear to have resulted in a rapid increase in razor clam toxin levels, which requires immediate closures to these affected beaches,” said Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager. “We’ll continue to work closely with our partners at WDOH to closely monitor razor clam toxin levels and reopen harvest as soon as clams are safe to eat.”

Domoic acid, a natural toxin produced by certain types of marine algae, can be harmful or fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities. More information about domoic acid, as well as current levels at ocean beaches, can be found on WDFW’s domoic acid webpage.

The Razor Clam Society will continue to monitor the situation and report information as it becomes available.

Thank you for your support.