WDFW OKs Coastal Razor Clam Digs Starting January 26th

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed Wednesday that razor clam digs on coastal beaches will kick off Sunday, January 26th, and run for seven days.

Not all coastal beaches are open for every dig, so diggers are encouraged to check the most updated list before heading out. Most successful digging occurs between one and two hours before the listed time of low tide. No digging is allowed before noon during digs when low tide occurs in the afternoon or evening.

“Diggers can look forward to another week of razor clamming,” said Bryce Blumenthal, WDFW’s recreational razor clam manager. “Success can be spotty this time of year, so don’t be afraid to walk or drive to a different area of beach and remember to stomp and pound the sand to make the clams show.”

WDFW gave the approval for these digs, after marine toxin test results from the Washington State Department of Health showed razor clams are safe to eat. The following digs during evening (p.m.) low tides will proceed as scheduled:

January 26, Sunday, 4:34 p.m.; 0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
January 27, Monday, 5:15 p.m.; -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
January 28, Tuesday, 5:54 p.m.; -0.8 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
January 29, Wednesday, 6:31 p.m.; -1.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
January 30, Thursday, 7:07 p.m.; -1.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
January 31, Friday, 7:44 p.m.; -0.7 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
February 1, Saturday, 8:21 p.m.; -0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

WDFW said these are additional tentative dates:

February 8, Saturday, 3:36 p.m.; 0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
February 9, Sunday, 4:29 p.m.; -0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
February 10, Monday, 5:15 p.m.; -0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
February 11, Tuesday, 5:54 p.m.; -0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
February 12, Wednesday, 6:29 p.m.; -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
February 13, Thursday, 7:01 p.m.; -0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
February 14, Friday, 7:32 p.m.; 0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
February 24, Monday, 4:04 p.m.; 0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
February 25, Tuesday, 4:46 p.m.; -0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
February 26, Wednesday, 5:25 p.m.; -0.6 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
February 27, Thursday, 6:03 p.m.; -0.7 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
February 28, Friday, 6:39 p.m.; -0.6 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
March 1, Saturday, 7:15 p.m.; -0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

Department of Health requires test samples for marine toxins, and domoic acid levels must fall under the guideline level before a beach can open for digging. Domoic acid, a natural toxin produced by certain types of marine algae, can be harmful or fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities.

Final approval usually occurs about a week or less before the start of each digging series. More information about domoic acid, as well as current levels at ocean beaches, can be found on WDFW’s domoic acid webpage.

On all open beaches, the daily limit is 15 clams per person. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container, and all diggers must keep the first 15 clams they dig, regardless of size or condition, to prevent waste. All diggers 15 or older must have an applicable fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com