Razor clam digs approved at five ocean beaches

March 21, 2006

Razor clam digs approved at five
ocean beaches

Action: Open razor clam season

Effective dates: March 25 through March 28, 2006

Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Copalis and Kalaloch will all open for digging on evening tides March 25-27. The National Park Service scheduled the dig at Kalaloch, which is within Olympic National Park, to coincide with those at the other beaches.

In addition, two of those beaches ? Twin Harbors and Mocrocks ? will open for a fourth day of digging March 28.

As during previous digs this season, no digging will be allowed before noon at any of those beaches.

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 Brown?s 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 digger?s limit must be kept in a separate container.


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.