WDFW sets 62 days of tentative razor clam digs for rest of 2021

OLYMPIA — There are 62 tentative dates set for razor clam digs at beaches along the Washington coast beginning in mid-September and running through the end of the year, shellfish managers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced on Friday.

Final approval of tentatively scheduled openings depends on results of marine toxin tests. Much of the 2020-21 razor clam season was impacted by high domoic acid levels, but this year’s season so far is looking good, both in terms of clam abundance and domoic acid, according Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager with WDFW.

“Similar to last year’s preseason indications, we’re estimating very strong razor clam populations at most coastal beaches,” Ayres said. “We’re optimistic that diggers will have plenty of great opportunities to dig for these clams this fall and winter.”

All open beaches (Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, and Copalis) will also have increased limits through the end of 2021, with diggers allowed to keep 20 clams instead of the usual 15. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container, and all diggers must keep the first 20 clams they dig.

“We’re confident that these beaches can support the increased harvest, at least through the end of the year,” Ayres said. “We’ll re-evaluate before announcing the 2022 digging dates to see if we need to adjust the limit.”

The Kalaloch beach will not open due to continuing issues with depressed populations of harvestable clams.

With COVID still impacting communities throughout Washington, officials are asking diggers to continue practicing social distancing, following local and state guidance on masks and face coverings, and being respectful of local communities and residents.

All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach.

More information can be found on WDFW’s razor clam webpage at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfishing-regulations/razor-clams.