Summary Report of the 2004 Commercial Fishery for Razor Clams (Siliqua patula)

Preseason Planning

In 2004, letters were sent to license holders from the previous year to announce the tentative scheduling of the commercial fishery. The season, contingent on acceptable biotoxin levels, was set to open mid-May. Opening the commercial fishery at the Willapa Spits also required receipt of an Aquatic Lands Right of Entry Agreement from the Department of Natural Resources.

Razor clams were collected for biotoxin testing from three locations around the spits beginning in early May. Testing indicated low levels of domoic acid and the season opened on May 18.