OLYMPIA – This month’s razor clam season, scheduled to open this week, has been postponed indefinitely due to elevated toxin levels in the shellfish on Washington beaches.

The toxin, domoic acid, can cause stroke-like symptoms or death.

The state Fish and Wildlife department will announce future digging opportunities when toxin tests show the levels are safe for harvesting.

F&W coastal shellfish manager Dan Ayres said the testing is ongoing continuously and is cautiously optimistic that levels will drop to acceptable amounts, with the possibility of reopening the season for the October harvest dates if toxin levels drop sufficiently.