Fisheries staff from the Quinault Indian Nation and others gathered on Kalaloch Beach early on a July morning to perform a task that would yield valuable data: Using pumped-in seawater to liquify circles of sand.
The process, which was carried out dozens of times, revealed the variety of creatures that live under the cover of sand, such as crabs and sand shrimp, but it was a specific one the tribe was searching for: Pacific razor clams.
The tribe undertakes the process every summer to assess the beaches’ populations of razor clams. The number will govern future razor clam harvests to keep the population healthy and sustainable.
“It’s a good tool to have and does a good job estimating clams on the beach; both size and numbers,” said Quinault marine fish and shellfish biologist Scott Mazzone.
On beaches managed with the state, the co-managers share data to fine-tune population assessments. On each day Quinault—assisted by Hoh Tribal staff—conducted an assessment on Kalaloch Beach, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) conducted another one nearby.
The day before the assessment, staff search for razor clams farthest from the water. Using that as a starting point, they work their way toward the surf, liquifying a round stretch of sand every 6 feet or so. The sand is liquified in a half square meter area to the depth of approximately 4 feet, compelling clams to float to the surface. The tribe then collects, counts, and measures the razor clams found.
“We look at all sizes of clams on the beach,” Mazzone said. “Both harvestable adult size clams, and young baby clams. If we see a new cohort coming onto the beach, it’s a good sign of a new generation getting established.”
Tribal staffers conduct a Pacific razor clam survey—a crucial tool for responsibly managing the resource—in July. Photo and story: Trevor Pyle
