Razor Clam Digging April 4th - 10th On Coastal Beaches
WDFW approves morning
razor clam digs starting April 4
OLYMPIA – State shellfish managers have approved a weeklong series of razor clam digs starting April 4 at four ocean beaches.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) confirmed the digs after marine toxin tests showed the clams on those beaches are safe to eat.
All of the digs are scheduled on morning tides. No digging will be allowed on any beach after noon.
Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager, reminds diggers they will need a valid 2015-16 fishing license to participate in all upcoming razor clam digs, since the new license year begins April 1. Various types of fishing licenses are available online (fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/), by phone (866-246-9453), and from authorized license dealers throughout the state.
“The razor clams we’re seeing are really fattening up, and are perfect for the frying pan,” Ayres said.
Under state law, diggers are required to keep the first 15 clams they dig. Each digger's clams must be kept in a separate container
The upcoming dig is scheduled on the following dates, beaches, and low tides:
- April 4, Saturday, 7:23 a.m.; 0.6 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Copalis
- April 5, Sunday, 7:57 a.m.; 0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Copalis
- April 6, Monday, 8:32 a.m.; 0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors
- April 7, Tuesday, 9:09 a.m.; 0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors
- April 8, Wednesday, 9:48 a.m.; 0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors
- April 9, Thursday, 10:32 a.m.; 0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors
- April 10, Friday, 11:23 a.m.; 0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors
WDFW has also proposed additional digs in April and May, pending the results of future marine toxin tests. Tentative dates for those digs are posted on the department’s website at wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/current.html.
During all upcoming digs, state wildlife managers urge clam diggers to avoid disturbing snowy plovers and streaked horned larks. Both species nest in the soft, dry sand at Leadbetter Point on the Long Beach Peninsula, and on a section of Twin Harbors beach.
The snowy plover is a small bird with gray wings and a white breast. The lark is a small bird with a pale yellow breast and brown back. Male larks have a black mask, breast band and “horns.” Both species are listed as “threatened” under the federal Endangered Species Act.
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