OLYMPIA — State shellfish managers have postponed the fall start of razor clam digging on ocean beaches because of high levels of a marine toxin in the clams.
Ordinarily, razor clam digging on Kalaloch, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks and Willapa Spits beaches is permitted beginning this month and continuing through Dec. 31.
The state Department of Fish and Wildlife said Friday it won’t schedule razor clam digs on the coast until tests show the bivalves are safe to eat.
The problem is the level of domoic acid, a natural toxin produced by certain types of marine algae.
It can be harmful or even fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities. Cooking or freezing does not destroy domoic acid in shellfish.
“We know diggers are anxious to get out onto the beaches, but public health is our primary concern,” said Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager.
Toxin levels have dropped since May and June, when several digs were canceled, but concentrations still exceed the state health guideline of 20 parts per million.
Ayres said if levels continue to decline, some clam digs may be scheduled in mid- or late November.
Since 1991, when the toxin was first detected on the Pacific coast, outbreaks of domoic acid have prompted the cancellation of three entire razor clam seasons in Washington state — the last one in 2002-03.
Test results are posted on Fish and Wildlife’s Web page at http://tinyurl.com/PDN-razorclams-domoic-levels.
