Razor clam digs proposed later this month

OLYMPIA — Three ocean beaches are tentatively scheduled to open for razor clam digging later this month, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced today.

If marine toxin tests show the clams are safe to eat, Twin Harbors will open for late-afternoon digs Jan. 18-21, while Long Beach and Copalis are scheduled to open Jan. 19 and 20. Digging on those beaches will be restricted to the hours between noon and midnight.

The January schedule, which includes two extra days for Twin Harbors but no days for Mocrocks, was based on recreational razor clam harvest data from the fall 2007 openers, said Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager for WDFW.

"People are always eager to go clam digging, so our goal is to offer some opportunities in the winter months, while maintaining enough clams for future digs," Ayres said. "Mocrocks will be closed in January to ensure there'll be enough clams for a spring dig on that beach." Mocrocks Beach includes Iron Springs, Roosevelt Beach, Pacific Beach and Moclips.

Kalaloch will remain closed throughout the 2008 season.

Depending on harvest data from the January opener, WDFW may also announce additional digging opportunities at certain beaches in February, Ayres said.

Harvesters are allowed to take no more than 15 razor clams and must keep the first 15 they dig, regardless of size or condition. Each digger's clams must be kept in a separate container.

A license is required for anyone age 15 or older. Any 2007 annual shellfish/seaweed license or combination license is still valid. Another option is a razor-clam only license available in annual or three-day only versions. Descriptions of the various licensing options are available on the WDFW website at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov.

Ayres said the best time to start digging at all beaches is an hour or two before low tide.

Tentative opening dates and late-afternoon tides are:

• Jan. 18, Friday, 2:56 p.m., +0.6, Twin Harbors only.
• Jan. 19, Saturday, 3:58 p.m., +0.1, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis.
• Jan. 20, Sunday, 4:53 p.m., -0.4, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis.
• Jan. 21, 2008; Monday; 5:44 p.m., -0.6, Twin Harbors only.

Locations of beaches scheduled to open are:

• Long Beach, which extends from the Columbia River to Leadbetter Point.
• Twin Harbors Beach, which extends from the mouth of Willapa Bay north to the mouth of Grays Harbor.
• Copalis Beach, which extends from the Grays Harbor North Jetty to the Copalis River, and includes beaches near Copalis, Ocean Shores, Oyhut and Ocean City.