Heritage and Harvest: Quinault Razor Clams (2026)

For decades, the Quinault Indian Nation fought to have their treaty fishing rights acknowledged. Today, based on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, they hold sole authority over the northern razor clam harvest on their reservation and share management responsibilities with the state across their treaty territory. Recognized by Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch with a green sustainability rating, this fishery thrives on a powerful management plan that fuses ancestral wisdom with cutting-edge science. The approach combines routine population monitoring with strict anti-overharvest measures, ensuring a balanced, enduring harvest.