PUMP THE BRAKES a bit on planning razor clam digging trips this fall.
The 2015-16 razor clam season is on hold until marine toxins drop to safe levels, according to state shellfish managers with the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Levels of domoic acid in razor clams have declined over the summer but remain high enough that the clams are unsafe to eat, said Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager for Fish and Wildlife.
Domoic acid, a natural toxin produced by certain types of marine algae, can be harmful or even fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities.
The department also curtailed digs last spring when concentrations of domoic acid exceeded the threshold set by state public health officials.
“Obviously we can’t open beaches to digging until toxin levels drop, but we want to be ready to go when they do,” Ayres said.
“That preparation includes hearing suggestions from the public about the upcoming season.”
The public can comment on an array of management options for the scheduling of digs over the course of the season.
Suggestions for the 2015-16 season can be sent via email to razorclams@dfw.wa.gov or by postal service to: Razor Clams, 48 Devonshire Rd., Montesano, WA 98563.
Comments regarding fall digging opportunities must be received by Wednesday.
An overview of the recently completed 2015-16 razor clam stock assessment and a look back at last season are available Fish and Wildlife’s razor clam webpage at tinyurl.com/PDN-RazorSeason.
During the 2014-15 season, diggers harvested 5.7 million razor clams and averaged 14.4 clams per day, just shy of the 15-clam limit.
This season, razor clam populations on Washington’s beaches are estimated to be slightly lower than last year, but still above the long-term average, Ayres said.
If marine toxin levels decline in time, the earliest dig would likely take place in mid- to late-October.
Fish and Wildlife will continue to monitor regularly marine toxin levels in razor clams, Ayres said.
Test results are posted online at PDN-RazorTests.
Public Lands Day
Saturday marks observation of National Public Lands Day, which means admission fees are waived for national parks and the state Discover Pass is not required for entrance to state parks.
Projects are planned this weekend to help with trail maintenance on the popular Mount Townsend Trail and to restore the historic Hamma Hamma cabin in the Olympic National Forest near Quilcene.
The cabin project runs today from noon to 5 p.m. with check-in happening at the Hood Canal Ranger Station in Quilcene, 295142 U.S. Highway 101.
Work will focus on trimming brush and clearing debris, painting and cleaning out the garage.
Formerly a guard station, the Hamma Hamma cabin was built from 1936-1937 by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
The facility was used as an administrative site for Forest Service fire and trail crews.
The site is nominated to the National Register of Historic Places for the skill and craftsmanship that went into its construction and architecture.
The Washington Trails Association is overseeing work on the Mount Townsend Trail in the Buckhorn Wilderness Area.
A work party is planned from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday.
Crews will work on improving several switchbacks, clearing the corridor of brush, improving drainage and fixing any damaged tread.
Spectacular views of Puget Sound, Hood Canal and the Olympic Mountains from the summit of this trail make it worth the effort.
Register for the event at tinyurl.com/PDN-TrailParty.
Crab cards due
All sport fishers licensed to fish for Dungeness crab anywhere in Puget Sound have through Oct. 1 to submit summer catch reports to Fish and Wildlife.
“Catch reports play a major role in determining how much crab is still available for harvest during the winter season,” said Rich Childers, Fish and Wildlife’s shellfish policy lead.
“It’s important that we receive reports from everyone licensed to fish for crab in Puget Sound — whether or not they caught crab this year.”
Childers said Fish and Wildlife will announce winter crab seasons for Puget Sound in early October, after completing its assessment of the summer fishery.
Crabbers can submit catch record cards to Fish and Wildlife by mail at CRC Unit, 600 Capitol Way N., Olympia, WA 98501-1091.
They can also report their catch online at tinyurl.com/PDN-CrabReport2015 through Oct. 1.
Crabbers who fail to file their catch reports on time will face a $10 fine when they purchase a 2016 Puget Sound crab endorsement.
Winter catch record cards are free to those with crab endorsements, and are available at sporting goods stores and other license vendors across the state.
________
Outdoors columnist Michael Carman appears here Thursdays and Fridays. He can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5152 or at mcarman@peninsuladailynews.com.
