Razor clam digs approved Nov. 1-5
OLYMPIA — November will kick off with razor clam digging opportunities on four coastal beaches, shellfish managers with the state Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed.
The following digs during evening low tides will proceed as scheduled, after marine toxin results from the Department of Health showed razor clams are safe to eat:
• Friday: 7:15 p.m.; -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks.
• Nov. 2: 7:47 p.m.; -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks (switch to standard time).
• Nov. 3: 7:22 p.m.; -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis.
• Nov. 4: 8 p.m.; -0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis.
• Nov. 5: 8:42 p.m.; -0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks.
Fish and Wildlife recently has received reports of orange spots or stains in razor clams along coastal beaches and oysters in Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor.
The orange coloration is due to a bloom of the naturally occurring plankton dinoflagellate Tripos that has been observed off the coast since early October. This plankton is commonly found in water samples, though large blooms are less common. In fact, the last time a large-scale bloom was found off the Washington Coast was in 1995.
Current ocean conditions have been favorable for dinoflagellate growth.
There is no concern for shellfish health. Oysters and razor clams with orange coloring are still safe to eat.
Fish and Wildlife will continue to monitor coastal waters for any changes in collaboration with the Olympic Region Harmful Algal Blooms Partnership.
Peninsula Daily News
