The second razor clam dig of the season was approved as planned this week for Copalis and Mocrocks after results from additional toxin testing showed no danger in consuming clams from the two popular North Beach digging areas.
Long Beach and Twin Harbors also reopen this week, but the status of the two North Beach digging areas was uncertain until late Monday.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife last week approved the Nov. 3, 4 and 5 dig on evening tides at Long Beach and Twin Harbors after marine toxin tests showed that clams on those beaches are safe to eat. Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager, said that test results at Mocrocks and Copalis meet state health standards, but the Washington Department of Health had asked for one more test to be sure.
“WDOH has given us the green light at Long Beach and Twin Harbors, but asked us to collect an additional sample from Copalis and Mocrocks. We can’t do that until the tide very early on Monday morning. We’ll get those samples to WDOH as quickly as we can,” Ayres wrote in an email over the weekend. Late Monday, Ayres reported the tests showed the clams were safe.
No digging will be allowed before noon. The upcoming digs are approved on the following beaches, dates and evening low tides:
Nov. 2, Thursday, 6:03 p.m.; 0.1 feet; Copalis
Nov. 3, Friday, 6:47 p.m.; -0.7 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
Nov. 4, Saturday, 7:31 p.m.; -1.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
Nov. 5, Sunday, 7:16 p.m.; -1.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2017-18 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach.
Under state law, diggers 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.
WDFW has tentatively scheduled another dig for Dec. 1-4, pending results of future toxin tests. For more information, visit WDFW’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/current.html