Razor clam dig on the Twin Harbors in peril

High levels of domoic acid detected

Razor clamming on the Twin Harbors Oct.28-Nov.1 is in jeopardy as rising levels of domoic acid may cause the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to cancel the dig.

Domoic acid is a natural toxin produced by certain types of marine algae that can be harmful or even fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities, according to a news release issued Thursday by WDFW. The latest round of testing show toxin levels currently meeting state health standards, but the Washington Department of Health has asked for an additional test closer to the scheduled dig to be sure clams harvested from the Twin Harbors are safe to eat.

That test will be conducted Friday. The results are expected to be released Tuesday, Oct. 25. Long Beach, however, will remain closed to clam digging as test results have determined the domoic acid levels still exceed the amount deemed safe under state public health standards.