WDFW approves seven days of coastal razor clam digs starting Nov. 12

OLYMPIA — Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife shellfish managers approved coastal razor clam digging opportunities beginning Nov. 12.

Not all beaches are open for every dig, so diggers are encouraged to make sure their intended destination is open before heading out.

“The most recent tide series was about as good as it gets, with low swell and easy early digging,” said Bryce Blumenthal, a WDFW coastal shellfish biologist.

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

The following digs during evening low tides will proceed as scheduled, after marine toxin results from the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) showed razor clams are safe to eat:

Nov. 12, Sunday, 5:53 p.m.; -0.3 feet; Mocrocks

Nov. 13, Monday, 6:30 p.m.; -0.7 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

Nov. 14, Tuesday, 7:09 p.m.; -0.9 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

Nov. 15, Wednesday, 7:51 p.m.; -0.9 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

Nov. 16, Thursday, 8:37 p.m.; -0.8 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

Nov. 17, Friday, 9:27 p.m.; -0.5 feet; Copalis

Nov. 18, Saturday, 10:22 p.m.; -0.1 feet; Mocrocks

The DOH requires test samples for marine toxins, and domoic acid levels must fall under the guideline level before a beach can open for digging.

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.

On all open beaches, the daily limit is 15 clams per person. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container, and all diggers must keep the first 15 clams they dig, regardless of size or condition to prevent waste.

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