Poor overall populations of razor clams, and recent downward trends in those populations, have prompted Olympic National Park officials to cancel the fall and winter clamming season at Kalaloch.

Biologists from the Quinault Indian Nation, Hoh Indian Tribe, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the national park conduct razor clam stock assessments each summer.  This year’s results showed the Kalaloch razor clam population to contain approximately half the number of clams found last year, park spokeswoman Barb Maynes said in a release.  Clams sampled this year were also a quarter-inch smaller on average compared to last year, the release said.

“Considering this year’s razor clam data, along with last year’s low rate of digger success, and in consultation with WDFW, Kalaloch beach will remain closed to recreational razor clam harvest this winter,” said Olympic Superintendent Karen Gustin.

The park is planning to open Kalaloch for recreational razor clam harvest in early April 2012, and will continue to consult with QIN, Hoh and WDFW biologists over the winter.  The April dig would occur on April 7, 8 and 9 to coincide with digs scheduled by the WDFW on state beaches in Washington.