Summary Report of the 2005 Commercial Fishery for Razor Clams (Siliqua patula)

Preseason Planning

A public meeting was held in March for commercial diggers and razor clams buyers at Raymond. Catch and landing statistics from the 2004 season were reviewed, an update on the razor clam mortality study in which many diggers had participated was presented, and issues for the 2005 season were discussed.

The key issues for the 2005 season were: the need to create a physical boundary at the north end of Leadbetter Point, a minor change to the rule requiring a license to participate in the fishery, and alternative opening dates. In most years a channel of water separates the spits from the north end of Leadbetter Point. However, in 2004 and 2005 shifting sand connected the southernmost spit and the northern end of Leadbetter Point at low tide. Since regulations for the commercial razor clam fishery permit digging only on "detached" (i.e. islands) spits, a line of posts made from rebar and PVC pipe was set up to keep diggers from crossing over to Leadbetter Point.