News / Sports / Outdoors

Coastal razor clam digs set for first March weekend

Long Beach, Twin Harbors remain closed due to high marine toxin levels

By Columbian news services

Published: March 1, 2023, 7:53am

Clam diggers scour the beach on the Washington coast. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)

OLYMPIA — Razor clam digging at Mocrocks and Copalis beaches will be open for the first weekend of March.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife shellfish managers said digging reopens at Mocrocks on Friday, March 3 followed by opportunities March 5 and March 7.

Also, Copalis opens on Saturday, March 4, March 6, and March 8.

“Hopefully the weather will be kind to us for the upcoming six days of harvest on Copalis and Mocrocks only,” said Bryce Blumenthal, a WDFW coastal shellfish biologist. “The low tides will not be as deep as previous digs, but there should be plenty of daylight digging opportunity considering how early they occur.”

The daily limit is 15 razor clams per person. Under state law, a daily limit consists of the first 15 clams dug regardless of size or condition, and each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container.

Digging is prohibited in the razor clam reserve located just south of the Ocean City approach on Copalis, which are marked by 10-foot poles with signs.

The most successful digging occurs between one and two hours before the listed time of low tide.

The following digs during evening (p.m.) low tides will proceed as scheduled:

March 3, Friday, 4:31 PM; 0.6 feet; Mocrocks

March 4, Saturday, 5:09 PM; 0.4 feet; Copalis

March 5, Sunday, 5:42 PM; 0.2 feet; Mocrocks

March 6, Monday, 6:13 PM 0.1 feet; Copalis

March 7, Tuesday, 6:41 PM; 0.3 feet; Mocrocks

March 8, Wednesday, 7:09 PM; 0.5 feet; Copalis

Details on these and future tentative digs planned on March 17-22 during evening (p.m.) low tides and March 23-26 during morning (a.m.) low tides can be found by going to the WDFW razor clam webpage.

The Washington Department of Health labs indicate domoic acid levels at Long Beach and Twin Harbors beaches remain slightly above the health guideline levels and are closed to razor clam digging. WDFW will announce future digging opportunities on those beaches when marine toxin tests show it is safe to do so.

Domoic acid, a natural toxin produced by certain types of marine algae, can be harmful or fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities.

More information about domoic acid, as well as current levels at ocean beaches, can be found on WDFW’s domoic acid webpage.

For additional details, go to the WDFW’s razor clam webpage and the DOH webpage. To be notified of in-season rule changes as they are announced sign up for email notifications at wdfw.wa.gov/about/lists.

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