Razor clam digging will reopen Saturday, Jan. 21, at Copalis Beach only, followed by additional opportunities on Jan. 23 and Jan. 25, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers announced Friday.
“We know this is short notice but promised to open any beach as soon as we had good results and those able participate will have some excellent digging,” said Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager. “We’ll continue to closely monitor toxin levels in razor clams and hope to get Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Mocrocks reopened as soon as clams are safe to eat.”
The following digs during evening (p.m.) low tides will proceed as scheduled:
Jan. 21, Saturday, 6:23 p.m.; -1.8 feet; Copalis only
Jan. 23, Monday, 7:52 p.m.; -1.6 feet; Copalis only
Jan. 25, Wednesday, 9:16 p.m.; -0.2 feet; Copalis only
The Washington Department of Health (WDOH) labs indicate domoic acid levels at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, and Mocrocks beaches were still above the health guideline levels.
Domoic acid, a natural toxin produced by certain types of marine algae, can be harmful or fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities. WDFW shellfish staff will continue to regularly dig test samples of razor clams to monitor the situation. The WDOH requires two test samples taken 10 days apart, must fall under the health guideline level before a beach can reopen for razor clam digging.
