[ODFW-News] Razor clam wastage high, study shows

[ODFW News]

For Immediate Release Friday, May 5, 2006
 
Razor clam wastage high, study shows

ASTORIA - A recent study by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
determined nearly 20 percent of razor clams dug on Clatsop Beaches were
wasted. 
Wastage is the deliberate discarding or reburying of razor clams
contrary to sport harvest regulations. Most discarded razor clams die
because they are broken, have their necks cut off or are improperly
placed back into the sand. Sport razor clam regulations forbid this
practice.

Staff from ODFW's Marine Resources Program in Astoria re-dug 205 holes
and found 39 clams, or 19 percent overall, had been wasted.  In one
area, as much as 27 percent of dug clams were wasted. This year's
wastage rates are increased from past years. The average size of the
wasted clams was about 3.8 inches and more than 80 percent had damage
that would result in their death.

"You must keep the first 15 clams you dig, regardless of their size or
condition," said Matthew Hunter, ODFW's Shellfish and Estuary Project
Leader. "Reburying a razor clam, even if its shell is unbroken, usually
results in the clam's death."

ODFW staff monitor wastage throughout the open season on the Clatsop
Beaches. In most months the wastage is below 10 percent, but increases
rapidly during the early spring and summer months as the young clams
become the dominant segment of the clam population making "shows."

ODFW reminds clam diggers to help ensure clamming opportunities in the
future by following these clam harvesting rules:
* The bag limit is the first 15 clams taken, regardless of size - small
or broken clams must be included in the bag limit.
* All clam diggers, regardless of age, must dig their own clams, carry
their own container to hold harvested clams, and may not possess more
than one limit of clams in the clamming area.
* Clam diggers 14 years and older must have a shellfish license to
harvest clams.
* Razor clams may be taken by hand or hand-powered tools.

Here are some hints to avoid small or broken clams:
* Look for siphon holes or "shows" that are dime-sized or larger to
avoid small clams. Small shows, especially those smaller than the
diameter of a pencil, are associated with small clams.
* Clam guns should be at least 4 inches in diameter.
* Broken or small clams are still edible.  The cleaning process might
take longer but they are still safe to eat.

For more information about razor clams, digging techniques, and
preventing wastage check the ODFW razor clam Web site,
http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/shellfish/razorclams.
 
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