Shellfish managers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) on Thursday announced 42 tentative days of razor clam digs at four coastal beaches from Oct. 3 through Dec. 31.
“The 2024-25 recreational razor clam season will see similar digging opportunity to last season as long as marine toxin levels remain below closure levels,” said Bryce Blumenthal, a WDFW coastal shellfish biologist. “Razor clam populations on southern coastal beaches continue to be strong and healthy enough for abundant fall digging with harvestable low tides this season falling on Thanksgiving weekend, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.”
All beach openings are dependent on final approval of marine toxin testing, which usually occurs about a week or less prior to the start of each digging series. The Washington Department of Health (DOH) requires two test samples taken seven to 10 days apart, and domoic acid levels must fall under the guideline level before a beach opens for digging. 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 .