DON’T COUNT THE clams in your bucket before marine toxin test results are in.
That is the lesson razor clam diggers can take away from rising marine toxin levels along the Pacific coast.
High marine toxin levels discovered by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife has prompted a delay in the upcoming razor clam digs at Long Beach, and a review of planned openings at a host of other ocean beaches.
The department continues to monitor toxin levels to determine whether razor clam digging can proceed at Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks beaches.
Kalaloch’s smaller clams was not included in a series of previously announced, tentatively scheduled digs Oct. 14 to Dec. 31 at the four ocean beaches.
However, digs at Long Beach are on hold until tests indicate toxin levels have dropped and the clams are safe to eat, said Dan Ayres, state coastal shellfish manager.
Test results on razor clams dug recently at Long Beach indicate levels of domoic acid exceed the threshold (20 parts per million) set by state public health officials.
Domoic acid, a natural toxin produced by certain types of marine algae, can be harmful or even fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities.
Ayres noted that toxin levels also have increased over the past week at Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks but remain below the threshold set by public health officials.
“These latest toxin test results cast uncertainty on the fall razor clam season,” Ayres said in a press release.
“We hope this is a short-term spike in toxin levels that won’t lead to closures at other beaches.”
The department will provide updates on planned openings at tinyurl.com/PDN-FallClams.
Anglers take note
Sekiu closed for salmon fishing in U.S. waters way back in August.
But small batches of anglers have headed north out of Clallam Bay to Canadian waters in search of a late king and plenty of coho.
Many of those are our hatchery fish taking the scenic route home to Washington rivers and streams.
For a how-to on fishing Canada visit tinyurl.com/PDN-FishCanada.
Mason’s Olson’s Resort plans to bring in their docks Saturday evening and close for the winter.
A reopening for blackmouth season is planned Feb. 16.
The resort also will begin taking reservations for halibut season on Jan. 1.
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Sports reporter Michael Carman can be contacted at 360-417-3525 or mcarman@peninsuladailynews.com.
