Ann Gellenbeck, Martin Stevens and Wyatt Stevens (right), from Yelm, dig for razor clams on Copalis Beach in May 2016.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has approved a three-day set of clam digs at Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Mocrocks and Copalis that will take place Nov. 3-5.
Those clam digging tides were approved after multiple rounds of marine toxin tests at those beaches indicated that the clams are safe to eat. The openings at Long Beach and Twin Harbors were confirmed late last week but the digging dates at Mockrocks and Copalis were left in limbo over the weekend until additional marine toxin testing could be conducted.
Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager for the WDFW, noted in a press release that the first round of tests revealed toxin levels at Mocrocks and Copalis that met health standards, but the Washington Department of Health requested additional testing in order to verify those results. The latest round of tests confirmed the original findings that the razor clams are safe for human consumption.
All approved and tentative digging dates are open to evening tides only. No clam digging will be allowed before noon at any beach.
The upcoming dig is approved on the following beaches, dates and evening low tides:
Daylight Savings Time
• 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
Pacific Standard Time
• Nov. 5, Sunday, 7:16 p.m.; -1.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
In a preseason interview, Ayres told The Chronicle that clam size and density is about average at most beaches, including Twin Harbors. However, he noted that the razor clam population at Long Beach is down considerably this year, so diggers should be prepared to work for their harvest.
Another set of razor clam harvesting tides are tentatively scheduled for Dec. 1-4. Those opportunities will depend upon marine toxin testing in advance of the digs.
Long Beach is designated as the area from the mouth of the Columbia River north to Leadbetter Point while Twin harbors extends from Cape Shoalwater to the south jetty at the mouth of Grays Harbor. Copalis Beach reaches from the north jetty of Grays Harbor to the Copalis River, including Ocean Shores, Oyhut, Ocean City and the Copalis areas. Mocrocks begins at the Copalis River and extends to the southern boundary of the Quinault Reservation near the Moclips River, including Springs, Roosevelt Beach, Pacific Beach and Moclips.
In Washington all clam diggers age 15 and older are required to have an appropriate fishing license. The daily limit is 15 clams and diggers are required to keep the first 15 clams they dig regardless of size or condition. Additionally, each digger must keep their own clams in a personal container.
Throughout the 2017-18 razor clam season, a research team from the University of Maryland will be out on the beaches looking for volunteers to participate in a survey about razor clam consumption and harvesting practices. Additional information on the study can be obtained by contacting Lynn Grattan at 877-668-4559 or LGrattan@som.umaryland.edu.
Additional information on razor clams can be found online at wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/.
