Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife shellfish managers have confirmed the season’s next round of razor clam digging opportunities at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, and Mocrocks, running April 17-23. There are also tentative dig dates running into May.
“With two tide series remaining in our spring season, these upcoming digs will have the lowest tides and should provide a great opportunity for successful harvest,” said Bryce Blumenthal, a WDFW coastal shellfish biologist. “This is the time of year that soft sand begins to accumulate on the beaches, so be careful getting on and off the approaches in your vehicle and stick to driving on the hard sand below the high tide line.”
The set of digs at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, and Mocrocks running April 17-23 will proceed after marine toxin results from the Washington Department of Health showed razor clams are safe to eat at those beaches.
WDOH requires two test samples taken seven to 10 days apart, 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.
On all open beaches, the daily limit is 15 clams per person, and each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container.
Not all beaches are open for every dig, so diggers are encouraged to make sure their intended destination is open before heading out.