Introduction Regulations How Razor Clam Seasons are Set Clam Population Sampling Domoic Acid Recreational Fishery How to Dig Razor Clams How to Prevent Wastage How to Clean Razor Clams Razor Clam Recipes

Recreational Razor Clam Fishery The Pacific razor clam is one of the most sought after shellfish in the state of Washington. Better roads and more leisure time have brought increasing numbers of diggers to the ocean beaches. It is not unusual to have as many as a thousand people per mile during a nice spring weekend day. In past years, upwards of 300,000 individuals made 650,000 to 775,000 digger-trips to the ocean beaches and harvested 6 to 13 million razor clams. Since the mid-eighties, those numbers have been greatly reduced to only 250,000 digger trips harvesting 2.5 to 3 million clams. The reduction in the clam harvest was a direct result of decreased clam population levels, thought to be caused by historical over harvest and disease.

Recreational digging for razor clams is truly a family sport. It can be enjoyed by children and senior citizens alike. All you need is a clam shovel or specialized tube, a container to put your clams in and most important, your clam license. Be sure to check the Fishing in Washington Regulation Page for the latest regulation requirements for clam digging and other sport fishing regulation updates. During the fall and winter when low tides occur at night, thousands of clam diggers brave the elements to dig by lantern or flash light. Because there is a great deal of interest in digging at all times of the year, seasons are set to allow digging during daylight spring tides when there is better weather and during the fall/winter when diggers have to deal with the elements, but not as many clam diggers.

During certain times of the year, marine toxins, produced by some species of diatoms (algae) are taken in by razor clams and concentrated. When ingested, these toxins can cause illness and in very high concentrations can be fatal to humans. The WDFW in cooperation with the Washington Department of Health (DOH) sample clams on a routine basis. If high toxin levels are detected, clam seasons are delayed or closed. WDFW and DOH work very hard to provide a safe and fun resource to enjoy.