|
|
|
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers today confirmed coastal razor clam digging reopens at Long Beach on Thursday, March 23, in addition to digs planned at Twin Harbors, Copalis, and Mocrocks.
"For the first time this razor clam season, domoic acid toxicity is below closure levels coastwide in Washington," said Bryce Blumenthal, a WDFW coastal shellfish biologist. "We still have plenty of harvestable, nice-sized razor clams on all beaches for some equally great digging during the first daylight low tides opportunities of spring."
These confirmed dig dates are in addition to tentatively scheduled dates at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, and Copalis beaches in April.
This set of digs will proceed after marine toxin results from the Washington Department of Health (WDOH) showed razor clams are safe to eat at these beaches.
Digging is prohibited in razor clam reserves, which are marked by 10-foot poles with signs. The reserves are located just south of the Ocean City approach on Copalis and 2.8 miles north of the Oysterville approach on Long Beach.
Not all beaches are open for every dig, so diggers are encouraged to make sure their intended destination is open before heading out.
Under state law, the daily limit is the first 15 clams dug per person regardless of size or condition, and each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container.
For more information on these and upcoming tentative digs, go to WDFW's razor clam webpage.
Shellfish and seafood enthusiasts can also start making plans to attend the Long Beach Razor Clam Festival on April 8-9. This long-running event celebrates the unique contribution of razor clams to Washington’s culture and coastal communities.
|
|
|
|
Below are the approved and tentative dates for razor clam digs, along with low tides and beaches. Most successful digging occurs between one and two hours before the listed time of low tide. Final approval of marine toxin testing usually occurs about a week or less prior to the start of each digging series. WDFW will announce confirmed digging opportunities via the WDFW razor clam webpage when marine toxin tests show it is safe to do so. More information about domoic acid, as well as current levels at ocean beaches, can be found on WDFW's domoic acid webpage.
APPROVED, P.M. TIDES ONLY:
APPROVED, A.M. TIDES ONLY:
TENTATIVE, A.M. TIDES ONLY;
DIGGING EXTENDED TO 1 P.M. ON APRIL 12 ONLY:
|
Advertising