Mortality Rates of the Razor Clam Based upon the 1973 Tagging Study on Gearhart Beach

Identification Information

Citation

Originator: Link, Terry L.

Publish Date: 1979

Online Link: None

BPA Project #:

Contact Information

Agency: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

Name: Cedric Cooney

Job Position: Natural Resources Data and Systems Manager

Telephone: 503-947-6094

E-Mail Address: cedric.x.cooney@odfw.oregon.gov

Description

Abstract: The razor clam, (Siliqua patula), occurs on beaches from Alaska to northern California and is found along most of the Oregon coast. About 90% of Oregon's fishery is located on the 18 miles of Clatsop Beach, south of the Columbia River. Active sport and commercial fisheries remove 0.4 to 2.4 million from the intertidal population annually (Figure 1). Harvesting techniques have not changed, but the once dominate commercial fishery that took 80% of the catch in the forties now usually takes less than 20% of the harvest. This change in the sport fishery coupled with wastage which averages 10-20% but can at times reach 50%, are indications that mortality rates calculated by Hirschhorn (1952) should be checked to determine if rates have changed since 1952. The project was designed to determine mortality rates of razor clam populations that were vulnerable to diggers. Gearhart Beach was selected as the site due to its length, location, isolated nature and stable population of clams. Vehicle traffic is prohibited and razor clam growth and catch per unit of effort is average for Clatsop Beach.

Purpose:

Time Period of Content: 1973

Geographic Extent: Gearhart Beach

Status: Final

Use Constraints:

Format: PDF

Data Quality Information

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Data Information

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Entity and Attribute Information

Attributes Description: Field attribute information is available in the attached file(s).

Is a physical copy maintained for reference at Headquarters? Unknown