Seven more days set for razor clam digs

Fresh into a new year, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has approved seven more days of razor clam digs.

The digs were approved after state shellfish managers tested the clams for marine toxins and found that they were safe to eat.

The digs will take place on evening tides starting Jan. 8.

“Our great razor clam digging is continuing right into the new year,” said Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager in a news release. “We saw some impressive harvest opportunities last year and expect more of the same to ring in 2020.”

The approved digs are for the following beaches, dates and low 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

No digging is allowed before noon for approved digs, when low tide occurs in the evening.

The WDFW is asking clammers to weigh in on their favored choice for digging razor clams.

Many diggers prefer to use a clam gun, and others prefer a clam shovel. To vote for a digging method, post a photo or video, complete with the hashtag #TeamClamShovel or #TeamClamGun on any social media before the end of the spring season.

For a list of proposed razor clam digs on Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks beaches through February, please see the WDFW razor clam webpage.

Diggers are advised to use caution when clamming on beaches after dark. Bring good lighting devices, clam with a friend (or two), and always keep an eye on the surf.

Under state law, diggers at open beaches can take 15 razor clams per day and are required to keep the first 15 they dig. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container. All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2019-20 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach.