Razor Clam

Pacific razor clams are found along the West Coast from Alaska to south central California. They have been harvested for millennia by the Indigenous peoples of the West Coast. They typically inhabit sandy beaches in the intertidal zone and are capable of digging and burrowing rapidly for protection against wave action and predators. Razor clams are filter feeders, feeding primarily on microscopic plankton. They have elongated, narrow shells and range from three to six inches long. Common predators include several flatfish species and Dungeness crab.

Overall availability

Razor clams are harvested in Washington. Fresh, live razor clam is available seasonally, but shucked and frozen razor clams are available year-round. Razor clams are prized seafood in local, national and international markets. 

Management

Razor clams are commercially harvested on the Pacific Coast in Washington through digging by hand with shovels. The season is often short and depends on population status and biotoxin sampling. Treaty Tribes co-manage the razor clam fishery along with WA State Department of Fish and Wildlife.