WDFW approves 10 days of coastal razor clam digs beginning Friday, March 17, tentative dates announced for April

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Photo by Mark Yuasa

OLYMPIA – Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers today confirmed coastal razor clam digging reopens at Twin Harbors, and Copalis on Friday, March 17. This is in addition to Mocrocks which opens on Saturday, March 18.

“As wonderful as it is to now be able to offer harvest days on Twin Harbors, we are disappointed that Long Beach still remains above the domoic acid toxicity closure level,” said Bryce Blumenthal, a WDFW coastal shellfish biologist. “Diggers can expect abundant populations of nice-sized clams on open beaches. Digs switch to morning low tides on March 23-26 providing the first daylight opportunities of spring.”

The following digs during evening (p.m.) low tides will proceed as scheduled:

• March 17, Friday, 4:10 PM; 0.0 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
• March 18, Saturday, 5:06 PM; -0.5 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• March 19, Sunday, 5:54 PM; -0.7 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
• March 20, Monday, 6:38 PM -0.7 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• March 21, Tuesday, 7:18 PM; -0.5 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
• March 22, Wednesday, 7:56 PM; 0.0 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

The following digs during morning (a.m.) low tides will proceed as scheduled:

• March 23, Thursday, 8:29 AM; -0.3 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
• March 24, Friday, 9:13 AM; -0.4 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• March 25, Saturday, 9:57 AM; -0.2 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
• March 26, Sunday, 10:44 AM; 0.2 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

Future tentative digs planned during morning (a.m.) low tides are scheduled (digging extended to 1 PM on April 12 only):

• April 6, Thursday, 7:34 AM; 0.3 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• April 7, Friday, 8:10 AM; -0.1 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
• April 8, Saturday, 8:48 AM; -0.3 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• April 9, Sunday, 9:29 AM; -0.4 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
• April 10, Monday, 10:15 AM; -0.4 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• April 11, Tuesday, 11:09 AM; -0.2 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
• April 12, Wednesday, 12:12 PM; 0.1 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks (digging extended until 1 PM)
• April 19, Wednesday, 6:44 AM; -0.4 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• April 20, Thursday, 7:28 AM; -0.9 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
• April 21, Friday, 8:09 AM; -1.2 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• April 22, Saturday, 8:50 AM; -1.1 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
• April 23, Sunday, 9:31 AM; -0.8 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• April 24, Monday, 10:14 AM; -0.4 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
• April 25, Tuesday, 11:01 AM; 0.1 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

The Washington Department of Health (WDOH) labs indicate domoic acid levels at Long Beach remain slightly above the health guideline cutoff range. WDFW will announce digging opportunities when marine toxin tests show it is safe to do so.

Domoic acid, a natural toxin produced by certain types of marine algae, can be harmful or fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities. WDFW shellfish staff will continue to regularly dig test samples of razor clams to monitor the situation. More information about domoic acid, as well as current levels at ocean beaches, can be found on WDFW's domoic acid webpage and on the DOH webpage.

The daily limit is 15 razor clams per person. Under state law, a daily limit consists of the first 15 clams dug regardless of size or condition, and each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container. Digging is prohibited in the razor clam reserves, which are marked by 10-foot poles with signs. A reserve located just south of the Ocean City approach on Copalis. The most successful digging occurs between one and two hours before the listed time of low tide.

With the spring fast approaching, Washingtonians should consider purchasing 2023-2024 recreational hunting and fishing licenses, and from hundreds of license vendors around the state. WDFW recommends buying your license before current licenses expire after March 31. All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. To be notified of in-season rule changes as they are announced sign up for email notifications at wdfw.wa.gov/about/lists.

Shellfish and seafood enthusiasts can also start making plans to attend the Ocean Shores Razor Clam and Seafood Festival on March 17-19, and the Long Beach Razor Clam Festival on April 8-9. These two long-running events celebrate the unique contribution of razor clams to Washington’s culture and coastal communities.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.