DOMOIC ACID & RAZOR CLAMMING

Elevated domoic acid levels have forced the postponement of Washington’s October 9–14 razor-clam digs. Domoic acid is a naturally occurring marine toxin associated with certain harmful algal blooms. It can accumulate in shellfish and cause serious illness if contaminated shellfish are consumed.

WDFW and the Washington Department of Health continue monitoring conditions. Razor-clam digs can resume only when testing meets applicable public health requirements and WDFW authorizes openings.

WDFW: Official digging schedules, openings, closures, and regulations.

Washington Department of Health: Marine biotoxin monitoring and public health safety determinations.

What is domoic acid?

Domoic acid is a naturally occurring marine toxin produced by certain microscopic algae. Razor clams filter food from the water and can accumulate the toxin in their tissue.

Why does it matter?

Eating contaminated shellfish can cause Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning. Effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. More serious cases can affect the nervous system, causing confusion, dizziness or memory loss. Laboratory testing is how authorities detect the toxin; appearance and taste cannot tell you whether it is present.

Can I cook it away?

No. Cooking or freezing does not eliminate domoic acid.

Health guidance: Washington Department of Health: Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning.

What is the regulatory threshold?

20 parts per million (ppm). Washington public health officials identify levels at or above 20 ppm in razor clams as exceeding the public-health limit. A result below 20 ppm is a laboratory result, not permission to harvest.

Why can a tentative dig be cancelled?

Washington openings depend on required marine-toxin testing and final state approval. WDFW explains that DOH requires two samples taken seven to 10 days apart, with results under the guideline level, before a beach can open. Tentative dates can change while that process is underway.

TENTATIVE means proposed. CONFIRMED means WDFW has approved the named beach and dates. CLOSED means no harvesting. A confirmation applies only to its stated beach, dates and hours.

What has been verified for Washington?

The cards below use the same results as the Clam Report. Read the sample date as well as the number: a new page update does not mean a new sample was collected.

What is happening in Oregon?

OREGON UPDATE / OCTOBER 5, 2026

Oregon and Washington make separate testing and opening decisions. An Oregon closure does not automatically close Washington beaches.

What is 46 Wild watching?

We monitor official state testing and dig announcements and translate them into trip-planning information. We keep laboratory results, sample dates and official dig status separate. If a source cannot be refreshed, we identify the last retrieved information and send you to the official page.

WATCH THE TESTS. WAIT FOR CONFIRMATION. THEN GO.

For official Washington openings, closures, regulations and marine-toxin information, always rely on Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife and Washington Department of Health.