Bad weather doesn't stop razor clam digs

Even during stormy weather this month, those venturing to the coast are enjoying an exceptional razor clam season.

A total of 18,600 digger trips were made between Nov. 14-17, and the average was 13.3 clams per person.

"We had a couple of bad nights like [Monday] was really a rough surf, and [Tuesday] it definitely deteriorated, but about 280 diggers turned out at Twin Harbors and still averaged 13.0 clams," said Dan Ayres, the head state Fish and Wildlife coastal shellfish biologist. "I was out [Sunday] at Ocean Shores and everybody I talked to had their [15-clam daily] limits."

State Fish and Wildlife technicians collected razor clam length data during this most recent opener, and here are the average sizes: Long Beach, 4.0 inches; Twin Harbors, 4.4; Copalis, 4.5; and Mocrocks, 4.9.

The next planned digs are: Dec. 2-5 and Dec. 31-Jan. 3.

This past week a group of scientists, fishery managers and human health leaders gathered for the National Symposium on Harmful Algae.

During the meetings, a study was released on what the a potential shutdown of the razor clam season could pose to coastal counties.

"We were excited about the study, which showed how valuable this fishery is to our coastal communities," said Ayres, who also pointed out that currently there are no risks of closures.

A yearlong shutdown could potentially result in around $22 million in lost revenue to coastal counties, according to the report by NOAA and University of Washington.

The news release went on to say reduced lodging, transportation, and dining sales would also translate to a direct loss in labor income of $13.3 million.

Researchers found that harmful blooms of the Pseudo-nitzschia algae threaten coastal counties that depend on the tourism boom associated with the seven- to eight-month razor clam season.

The last time a mass closure occurred on the coast was during 1998-1999 and 2002-2003 seasons. More than 25 percent of razor clam digging days from 1991 to 2008 were also lost.

Forcing the harvest closures is domoic acid associated with the algae, which can accumulate in shellfish, crabs and some fish. If consumed, the toxin can cause illnesses including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. In extreme but rare cases, respiratory difficulty, seizures, coma, and even death, can occur. It is also deadly to seabirds and marine mammals.

Notes

• State Fish and Wildlife has extended the public comment period on a new draft conservation plan for rockfish in Puget Sound through Jan. 4, and they will host three more meetings. To view the plan go to http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/management/rockfish. To receive a copy, call 360-902-2844. Three species of rockfish in Puget Sound — bocaccio, yelloweye and canary rockfish — currently are being considered for protection under the federal Endangered Species Act. E-mail comments to SEPAdesk2@dfw.wa.gov or fax 360-902-2946 or mail to Washington Fish and Wildlife, SEPA Desk, 600 Capitol Way N. Olympia, WA 98501-1091.

Meeting dates, 7-9 p.m.: Nov. 30, Bremerton City Hall, 345 6th St.; Dec. 2, Seattle Aquarium, 1483 Alaskan Way; and Dec. 3, Skagit Valley College's Mount Vernon Campus, 2405 East College Way.

• The Washington Fly Fishing Club is hosting a beginning fly tying class starting Jan. 7 at the Mercer Island Covenant Church, 3200 78th S.E. Cost is $45. Details: 206-542-4623.

• The Roche Harbor Hook 'em & Hold'em Salmon Derby & Texas Hold'em Tournament Dec. 3-5 has 45 spots left. Cost is $100 per angler. Details: 800-451-8910 or 360-378-5562 or www.rocheharbor.com.

• The new nonprofit Cascade Musky Association is looking for members. Cost is $25 or $35 for a couple/family membership. Details: www.cascademuskyassociation.com or www.wafish.com.

• The Washington Fly Fishing Club meeting is 5:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month at the Seattle Tennis Club. Please RSVP to attend meetings. Details: www.WFFC.com.

• The Western Bass Club meets every third Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Kennydale Hall in Renton. Details: www.westernbassclub.comor www.nickbarrfishing.com.

• The Washington Trails Association offers statewide trip reports and trail conditions. Details: www.wta.org.

• The Northwest Fly Anglers offer various public classes through the year. The public also is invited to club meetings on the third Thursday of each month, at the Haller Lake Community Center, 12579 Densmore Ave N., in North Seattle. Details: 206-684-7524.

• The Emerald Sea Dive Club offers year-round activities, including the big buddy program and weekly and monthly dives. The club meets on the first Wednesday of every month, 7-9 p.m. at Alfy's Pizza, 4820 196th SW in Lynnwood. Details: 425-775-2410 or www.emeraldseadiveclub.org.

• The Seattle Audubon Society offers field trips and classes every month. Details: 206-523-4483 or www.seattleaudubon.org.

• Northend Bassmasters is accepting new members who want to learn more about bass fishing. The group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Crystal Creek Cafe, 22620 Bothell-Everett Highway (Canyon Park) in Bothell. Details: 206-789-4259 or e-mail Gary Millard at glmillard@comcast.net.

Mark Yuasa: 206-464-8780 or myuasa@seattletimes.com