[Domoic Acid] in Razor ClamsSummer/Fall 1998

Kalaloch

Grays

Harbor

Willapa

Bay

Northwest Fisheries Science Center

Marine Biotoxin Group

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Slide 15. DOMOIC ACID IN SHELLFISH ON THE WASHINGTON COAST

-Toxin detected in razor clams all along the coast

-Not only at study sites

-Highest toxin levels in shellfish at Kalaloch

MESSAGE: NOT A LOCALIZED PHENOMENON

The Kalaloch site produced record levels of domoic acid for Washington State. However, we wish to emphasize that this was not a localized event, i.e., Kalaloch and La Push. Domoic acid was present in razor clams throughout the Washington Coast during our study period. Indeed, the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife has announced that the razor clam digging fishery will be closed this year. This will represent a serious economic impact on the southwestern Washington coastal communities that service this very large recreational fishery.

Kalaloch was notorious for having higher levels of Domoic acid than other places and in this year it was again true. We don’t know why this is the case.