Are razor clams safe to eat right now?

Beach by beach

• Copalis Beach Approved Next approved dig Tue, Oct 27
• Mocrocks Approved Next approved dig Mon, Oct 26
• Long Beach No dates yet No digs announced yet
• Twin Harbors No dates yet No digs announced yet
• Kalaloch Closed Closed by the WA Department of Health (marine biotoxin)

The Department of Health shellfish safety map is the official closure source; the recorded biotoxin hotline is 1-800-562-5632.

What is domoic acid?

A natural toxin made by Pseudo-nitzschia algae. Razor clams filter the algae and hold the toxin in their meat for weeks or months after a bloom. In people it causes amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP). Dungeness crab that eat contaminated shellfish carry it in their guts and butter.

Does cooking or freezing destroy domoic acid?

No. The Department of Health states the toxin is not destroyed by cooking or freezing, and toxic shellfish look, smell and taste the same as safe ones. The only protection is the state’s testing: eat only clams from a beach that was approved when you dug them.

What are the symptoms of amnesic shellfish poisoning?

Vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and abdominal cramps within 24 hours of eating contaminated shellfish. In severe cases headache, confusion and short-term memory loss within 48 hours; the memory loss can be permanent. For severe symptoms call 911; for mild symptoms call your health care provider and local public health agency.

How many razor clams is it safe to eat in a month?

The Department of Health’s interim advisory recommends no more than 15 razor clams a month, every month, for everyone, with particular care for pregnant or nursing women, children, older adults and people with kidney problems. The advice follows research on long-term low-level exposure in tribal members on the coast.

Is the crab safe when clams are closed?

Often not. Dungeness crab accumulate domoic acid in the guts and butter; the Department of Health may close crab along with razor clams or require that the guts be removed before cooking. Always clean crab fully during a toxin event and check the closure map.

How the testing works

Before each dig series WDFW collects razor clams from every beach and the Department of Health measures domoic acid in the meat. A beach opens only when results are under the regulatory limit; a rising result, as on October 6, 2026, postpones the whole series. WDFW publishes the latest domoic acid levels by beach.

I already dug clams. Should I eat them?

If you dug them on an approved day at an approved beach, they passed testing that week and the advisory above applies. If a closure or postponement came after, the Department of Health has not said those clams are unsafe; the closure reflects the newest sample. If you are unsure, or anyone at the table is pregnant, very young, elderly or has kidney problems, the cautious choice is to not eat them. When in doubt, call the Department of Health at 360-236-3330 on weekdays.

Sources: Washington Department of Health, Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning and Domoic Acid in Razor Clams. This page is a plain-English summary, not medical advice.