Long Beach razor clam population best in 25 years

LONG BEACH — Long Beach Peninsula has its largest population of razor clams measured in 25 years and eight nights of digging tentatively are set to begin Oct. 14.

“We’re releasing a tentative schedule earlier than usual this year to give people plenty of time to make plans to go digging this fall,’’ said Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. “The population at Twin Harbors also is strong and should provide good digging opportunities this year.’’

Mocrocks and Copalis beaches show population declines, which will mean fewer digging days this year.

Final approval of all scheduled openings will depend on results of marine toxin tests that show the clams are safe to eat.

Proposed digs and low tides for mid- and late October are:

• Oct. 14, Friday, 5:55 p.m, 0.2 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks.

• Oct. 15, Saturday, 6:42 p.m, -0.6 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks.

• Oct. 16, Sunday, 7:28 p.m, -1.1feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks.

• Oct. 17, Monday, 8:16 p.m, -1.4 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors.

• Oct. 18, Tuesday, 8:16 p.m, -1.4 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors.

• Oct. 19, Wednesday, 9:55 p.m, -1.1 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors.

• Oct. 20, Thursday, 10:50 p.m, -0.7 feet, Long Beach.

• Oct. 21, Friday, 8:16 p.m, -0.1 feet, Long Beach.

A list of additional proposed openings through Dec. 31 is available on the Department of Fish and Wildlife clam web page at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/current.html.

A year ago, the start of the razor clam season was delayed due to elevated levels of domoic acid, a natural toxin produced by certain types of marine algae.

Testing shows domoic acid levels on all of Washington’s beaches are within state public health standards.

Fall and winter razor clam digging in limited to p.m tides.

An annual razor clam license costs $14.10 for Washington residents. The license year is from April 1 through March 31. A three-day razor clam license costs $9.70 for state residents.

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