Harmful Algae Blooms in Grays Harbor Threaten Closure of Razor Clam Season

Harmful algae blooms produce a type of toxin that make clams and other shellfish unsafe to eat. This detriment could cause a year-long closure for razor clam digging in Washington, says Dan Ayres, a coastal shellfish manager for the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. Occurring in previous years full season closures due to harmful algae blooms have happened three different times since 1991 with the last closure in the 2002-2003 season. A study conducted by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration and the University of Washington says a season-long closure of razor clam digging could result in the loss of as much as $22 million in lost revenue to coastal counties. According to Ayers, based on the 2002 stock assessment, they were anticipating one of the best razor clam seasons in a very long time, then came evidence of harmful algae blooms.

This study just released this December surveyed clam diggers on items such as the frequency of their digs and how much they spend during their trips to the coast including accommodations and retail purchases. According to the study a total amount of revenue lost for the beaches immediately north and south of Grays Harbor for a season-long closure would amount to about $9.5 million. Leslie Reedy, executive director for the Ocean Shores Chamber of Commerce, said the last season-long cancellation had a very noticeable effect on the business climate in downtown Ocean Shores. The data collected in this recent study could be used as a tool for officials to make clearer decisions on beach closures, according to Dan Huppert, a professor of marine affairs at the University of Washington, who authored the study.

Ayres said prior to the NOAA study, there wasn’t a clear way to quantify the economic impact of razor clam fishery closures on the county. He said the only other study done on the topic was conducted in 1989 by the Grays Harbor Economic Development Council. The study was not as extensive as the NOAA study, and data from the previous study would not reflect changing economic factors such as inflation. The information is proving to be helpful in providing an actual number to see the economic impacts of something negatively impacting razor clams and also to see how much revenue razor clams bring to the Washington coast.