(Homer) - The Alaska Department of Fish and Game conducted razor clam abundance surveys at both Ninilchik and Clam Gulch beaches in April and May 2026. Preliminary results have found the abundance of adult (≥80mm) clams to be at historical lows and below the threshold required to open the fishery in both areas. Therefore, the sport and personal use razor clam fisheries in east Cook Inlet will remain closed through the remainder of 2026 and at least until abundance is assessed in the spring of 2027.

In the Ninilchik area, razor clam abundance was assessed at the south beach, and the adult abundance was approximately 31,000 clams, which is 87% below the abundance threshold to open the limited fishery in the Ninilchik area. In the Clam Gulch area, razor clam abundance was assessed at the north beach, and the adult abundance was approximately 45,000 clams, which is the lowest observed adult abundance for this location and is 95% below the fishery threshold. Additionally, the abundance of juvenile clams at both locations was also well below average. These results suggest high rates of natural mortality and poor recruitment of new cohorts to these beaches and will likely lead to the fishery remaining closed for several more years. The causes of these conditions remain unknown but likely include effects from habitat changes and predation.

“Razor clam numbers are not improving in east Cook Inlet, despite the fishery closure” said Lower Cook Inlet Area Management Biologist Mike Booz. “The best option for digging razor clams this season will be the Polly Creek and Crescent River Bar beaches in West Cook Inlet.”

For additional information, please contact Area Management Biologist Mike Booz or Assistant Area Management Biologist Holly Dickson at (907) 235-8191.

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