Razor clam populations at Mocrocks Beach are good enough to allow for one last three-day dig May 18-20, pending the results of marine toxin tests, according to state Department of Fish and Wildlife coastal shellfish manager Dan Ayres.

“After careful evaluation of the season’s clam harvest, we are happy to announce that healthy clam populations on Mocrocks Beach support another dig,” said Ayres. The state is calling this a “bonus” dig, likely the last of the season.

The state typically announces whether a dig will go forward about a week before the opening, said Ayres. Pending tests done by the state to determine if the clams are safe to eat,the dig is proposed for the following dates, low tides and beaches:

• May 18, Saturday, 6:58 a.m.; -1.4 feet; Mocrocks

• May 19, Sunday, 7:41 a.m.; -1.6 feet; Mocrocks

• May 20, Monday, 8:23 a.m.; -1.6 feet; Mocrocks

In order to ensure conservation of clams for future generations, Fish and Wildlife sets tentative razor clam seasons that are based on the results from the annual coast-wide razor clam stock assessment and by considering how many clams have been harvested so far. Each dig is authorized by the state independently after getting the results of marine toxin testing.

All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2019-20 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach; 2018-19 licenses are no longer valid for this dig. Licenses, ranging from a three-day razor clam license starting at $9.70 to an annual combination fishing license, are available online at fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov and from license vendors around the state.

Under state law, diggers at open beaches can take 15 razor clams per day and are required to keep the first 15 they dig. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container.