Five ocean beaches will open for end-of-week razor clam dig

February 22, 2006

Action: Open razor clam season

Effective dates: Feb. 24 through Feb. 26, 2006 -- Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks, and Kalaloch beaches will all be open to razor clam digging during the evening tide. No digging will be allowed at any beach before noon.

Species affected: Razor clams

Location: The five beaches that will open to razor-clam digging are:

· Long Beach, from the Columbia River north jetty to Leadbetter Point on the Long Beach Peninsula.
· Twin Harbors, from the south jetty at the mouth of Grays Harbor south to the mouth of Willapa Bay.
· Copalis Beach, which extends from the Grays Harbor north jetty to the Copalis River and includes the Ocean Shores, Oyhut, Ocean City and Copalis areas.
· Mocrocks Beach, from the Copalis River to the Moclips River.
· Kalaloch Beach, from South Beach Campground to Browns Point (just south of Beach Trail 3) in Olympic National Park.

Reasons for action: Marine toxins tests found that clams on these beaches are safe to eat.

Other information: Diggers must carry a valid 2005-06 fishing license to participate in the upcoming opening. Harvesters may take no more than 15 razor clams and must keep the first 15 taken, regardless of size or condition. Each diggers limit must be kept in a separate container. Digging is prohibited in the three one-quarter-mile-wide razor clam reserves, which are marked by 10-foot metal poles with signs. The reserves are located just south of the Ocean City access road on Copalis Beach, on the county line approach to Twin Harbors Beach, and 2.8 miles north of the Oysterville access road on Long Beach.

Information contact: Dan Ayres, WDFW (360) 249-4628

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on definitions and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at 360-902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call toll free 866-880-5431.

Request this information in an alternative format or language at wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation, 833-885-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.