Razor Clam Digs Approved

Last week, the WDFW gave the go-ahead to a unique set of razor clam digging tides on coastal beaches. That two-way window of opportunity began with a one-day opening on Monday, Dec. 23, and then reopened from Thursday through Sunday the rest of the week.

Those digs were approved after marine toxin testing by the state Department of Health confirmed that the meaty mollusks are safe for consumption. The remaining digs in the set will take place on the following dates, tides, and beaches:

• Dec. 28, Saturday, 8:05 p.m., -0.6 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

• Dec. 29, Sunday, 8:43 p.m., -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks 

No digging will be allowed on any beach before noon.

In a press release, WDFW Coastal Shellfish Manager Dan Ayres explained that the tides have conspired to put the kibosh on the popular New Year’s clam digging tradition this year.

"We also avoided scheduling a dig on Christmas day or Christmas Eve, as we have found that past participation on those days is really light," noted Ayres. "We are hoping more people will be able to participate by extending the dig further into the next weekend instead."

With nighttime digging required due to the timing of the low tide, Ayres added the following advice.

"Diggers want to be sure to come prepared with good lighting devices and always keep an eye on the surf, particularly at this time of year when low tides come at dusk and after dark," said the WDFW’s resident Clam Man.

The next proposed round of razor clam digging (subject to marine toxin testing) would take place on the following dates, beaches and tides:

• Jan. 8, Wednesday, 5:05 p.m. -0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

• Jan. 9, Thursday, 5:47 p.m. -0.8 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

• Jan. 10, Friday, 6:29 p.m. -1.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

• Jan. 11, Saturday, 7:11 p.m. -1.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

• Jan. 12, Sunday, 7:53 p.m. -1.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

• Jan. 13, Monday, 8:36 p.m. -1.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

• Jan. 14, Tuesday, 9:20 p.m. -0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

Fifteen clams is the daily limit per person, and all diggers age 15 and older are required to possess a fishing license. Any clam that’s dug must be kept, regardless of size or condition, and individuals must carry their own harvest in a personal container.