Weekend clam digs cleared for North Beach, Twin Harbors

Fishery managers have approved three days of razor clam digging beginning Nov. 17 at various ocean beaches, including two North Beach digging areas.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved the opening at Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks after marine toxin tests confirmed the clams on those beaches are safe to eat.

Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager, said the best digging typically occurs one to two hours before low tide. No digging is allowed at any beach before noon.

“Diggers will find plenty of nice razor clams just waiting for the frying pan or to use as an addition to their Thanksgiving feast,” Ayres said.

A list of razor clam recipes is available on WDFW’s website at: http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/recipes.html

The upcoming dig is approved on the following beaches, dates and evening low tides:

• Nov. 17, Thursday, 8:37 p.m.; -1.3 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks

• Nov. 18, Friday, 9:28 p.m.; -0.8 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks

• Nov. 19, Saturday, 10:22 p.m.; -0.1 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks

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.

All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2016-17 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. Licenses, ranging from a three-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license, are available on WDFW’s website at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov and from license vendors around the state.

Long Beach remains closed to razor clam digging due to elevated levels of domoic acid. A natural toxin produced by certain types of algae, domoic acid can be harmful or even fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities.

More information about razor clams and domoic acid can be found on WDFW’s webpage at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/

A list of additional proposed openings through Dec. 31, 2016, is available below.

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.

All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2016-17 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. Licenses, ranging from a three-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license, are available from license vendors around the state and WDFW’s licensing customer service number at (360) 902-2464.