WDFW approves 10 days of razor clam digs beginning March 17

Long Beach remains closed due to high toxin levels

By Columbian news services

Published: March 14, 2023, 3:40pm

Full limit of 15 razor clams dug south of the Oysterville approach at the northern end of Long Beach Peninsula. (Allen Thomas for The Columbian)

OLYMPIA — Razor clam digging on the Washington coast will reopen at Twin Harbors and Copalis on Friday, March 17.

This is in addition to Mocrocks which opens on Saturday, March 18, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers announced Tuesday.

“Diggers can expect abundant populations of nice-sized clams on open beaches,” said Bryce Blumenthal, a WDFW coastal shellfish biologist. “Digs switch to morning low tides on March 23-26 providing the first daylight opportunities of spring.”

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 17, Friday, 4:10 p.m.; 0.0 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis

March 18, Saturday, 5:06 p.m.; -0.5 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

March 19, Sunday, 5:54 p.m.; -0.7 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis

March 20, Monday, 6:38 p.m. -0.7 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

March 21, Tuesday, 7:18 p.m.; -0.5 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis

March 22, Wednesday, 7:56 p.m.; 0.0 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

The following digs during morning (a.m.) low tides will proceed as scheduled:

March 23, Thursday, 8:29 a.m.; -0.3 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis

March 24, Friday, 9:13 a.m.; -0.4 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

March 25, Saturday, 9:57 a.m.; -0.2 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis

March 26, Sunday, 10:44 a.m.; 0.2 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

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.

Future tentative digs planned during morning (a.m.) low tides are scheduled (digging extended to 1 p.m. on April 12 only):

April 6, Thursday, 7:34 a.m.; 0.3 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

April 7, Friday, 8:10 a.m.; -0.1 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis

April 8, Saturday, 8:48 a.m.; -0.3 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

April 9, Sunday, 9:29 a.m.; -0.4 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis

April 10, Monday, 10:15 AM; -0.4 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

April 11, Tuesday, 11:09 a.m.; -0.2 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis

April 12, Wednesday, 12:12 p.m.; 0.1 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks (digging extended until 1 p.m.)

April 19, Wednesday, 6:44 a.m.; -0.4 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

April 20, Thursday, 7:28 a.m.; -0.9 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis

April 21, Friday, 8:09 a.m.; -1.2 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

April 22, Saturday, 8:50 a.m.; -1.1 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis

April 23, Sunday, 9:31 a.m.; -0.8 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

April 24, Monday, 10:14 a.m.; -0.4 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis

April 25, Tuesday, 11:01 a.m.; 0.1 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

The Washington Department of Health (WDOH) labs indicate domoic acid levels at Long Beach remain slightly above the health guideline cutoff range. WDFW will announce digging opportunities when marine toxin tests show it is safe to do so.

“As wonderful as it is to now be able to offer harvest days on Twin Harbors, we are disappointed that Long Beach still remains above the domoic acid toxicity closure level,” Blumenthal said.

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.

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

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