GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY, Wash. — Washington’s razor clam season, delayed by elevated marine toxin levels, is set to begin Nov. 7 on Copalis and Mocrocks beaches, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife said.
The first five digging dates run through Nov. 11. Long Beach and Twin Harbors remain closed until further notice because clam samples there continue to show domoic acid levels above state health guidelines.
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The season had originally been scheduled to start Oct. 9 on four beaches, but was postponed.
The approved digs are scheduled for late afternoon and evening low tides: Nov. 7 at Mocrocks, Nov. 8 and 9 at Copalis, and Nov. 10 and 11 at Mocrocks. The Nov. 11 dig falls on Veterans Day.
WDFW said higher surf and less favorable low tides could make digging more difficult during the series.
A summer population assessment found fewer clams at Copalis and Mocrocks than in recent years, meaning fewer digging days are expected there during the 2026-27 season. Populations at Long Beach and Twin Harbors remain near average, but those beaches cannot open until toxin testing shows the clams are safe to eat.
Domoic acid is a naturally occurring toxin produced by some algae. Eating contaminated shellfish can cause illness and, at high levels, can be fatal. State health officials require two samples taken seven to 10 days apart to show toxin levels below the safety guideline before a beach can open.
The daily limit is 15 clams per person, and diggers must keep the first 15 they harvest, regardless of size or condition. Anyone 16 or older needs a 2026-27 license.
WDFW advises checking the latest beach openings and surf conditions before heading to the coast.