ARCHIVED NEWS RELEASE
This document is provided for archival purposes only. Archived documents
do not reflect current WDFW regulations or policy and may contain factual
inaccuracies.
News release April 25, 2007
Olympia — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has tentatively scheduled a razor clam dig starting May 4 at two ocean beaches. The digs will be the last of the season.
If marine toxin tests are favorable, Twin Harbors will open for digging on morning tides May 4, joined by Long Beach May 5 and 6. No digging would be allowed past noon on those days.
Final word will be announced once test results show whether clams on those beaches are safe to eat.
The dig is planned only for Twin Harbors and Long Beach because the recreational harvest has reached annual quotas on other beaches, said Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager for WDFW.
"We're pleased we can offer diggers a chance to get out one more time," said Ayres. "Twin Harbors and Long Beach still have clams available, but the other beaches can't support a dig at this time."
Ayres advises diggers who don't have a 2007-08 license, to buy one before heading out. "Morning digs are popular, and no one wants to be standing in line to buy a license at low tide."
Razor clam diggers have several licensing options, including annual razor clam, shellfish/seaweed or combination licenses, all valid through March 31, 2008. Diggers can also purchase a three-day razor clam license, or a temporary combination license valid from one to five days.
Fishing and hunting licenses are available on-line (https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/), via WDFW's toll-free phone line (1-866-246-9453) and from retail dealers throughout the state (http://wdfw.wa.gov/licensing/vendors/vendors).
Ayres recommends that clam enthusiasts start digging at least one hour before low tide. Low tides during the planned dig are as follows:
- Friday, May 4, 8:35 a.m., -0.9 ft: Twin Harbors only
- Saturday, May 5, 9:12 a.m., -0.8 ft: Twin Harbors, Long Beach
- Sunday, May 6, 9:50 a.m., -0.6 ft: Twin Harbors, Long Beach
Under WDFW rules, 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.