When hitting the beach during June and July’s low tides, razor clammers need to remember that the daily limit is the first 15 razor clams taken regardless of their size, condition or any breakage, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife reminded clam harvesters today.

ODFW biologists and Oregon State Police officers will be on Clatsop County beaches this weekend to educate clammers about the rules and enforce the bag limits.

“We want people to have a good time and get their limits, but we also want them to know the rules so the small clams are available next year for harvest,” said Matt Hunter, shellfish biologist for ODFW.

An informal survey conducted by ODFW biologists found that 25-30 percent of clam holes dug by people seeking razor clams had small or broken clams in them, indicating that a large number of diggers were discarding unwanted clams. Studies have shown that up to 80 percent of discarded clams will die because of shell breakage, cut off necks or improper placement back in the sand.

Hunter said that clam harvesters should look for clam siphon holes or ” shows” that are dime-sized or larger to avoid small clams. Holes that are smaller than the diameter of a pencil indicate the presence of a small clam.

The razor clam season is open only on those beaches north of Seaside and south of the mouth of the Columbia River. The entire Oregon coast is open to the harvest of other clam and mussel species. Razor clam harvest is not allowed south of Seaside because of the year-long presence of domoic acid, which can cause gastrointestinal illness or more severe symptoms.

The following regulations apply to razor clam harvesters:

The bag limit is the first 15 clams taken, regardless of size or condition.

All clammers, 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.

Razor clams may be taken by hand or hand-powered tools. (Harvesters who favor the use of clam guns are encouraged to use those that are 4 inches in diameter or larger to prevent clam shell breakage.)

Clammers 14 years and older must have a shellfish license to harvest clams. Shellfish licenses are available wherever ODFW fishing and hunting licenses are sold.

Harvesters should always check the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s Shellfish Hotline at 503-986-4728 before embarking on a clamming trip to learn if the season is open.

Clatsop County beaches north of Tillamook Head are closed to razor clam harvest July 15-Sept. 30 by permanent ODFW rule to protect juvenile clams.