WDFW approves five days of coastal razor clam digs beginning Nov. 1, with more tentative digs planned through the end of the year
November will kick off with razor clam digging opportunities on four coastal beaches, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers confirmed Friday.
“Our first fall storm arrived this past weekend, but that didn’t stop diggers from braving the elements and trying to get a limit,” said Bryce Blumenthal, WDFW’s recreational razor clam manager. “Hopefully the weather gives us a break for this next tide series from Nov. 1-5.”
The Washington Department of Health (DOH) requires testing of razor clam samples for marine toxins, and domoic acid levels must fall under the guideline level before a beach can open for digging. Domoic acid, a natural toxin produced by certain types of marine algae, can be harmful or fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities. Final approval usually occurs a few days to a week before the start of each dig series. More information about domoic acid, as well as current levels at ocean beaches, can be found on WDFW’s domoic acid webpage .