WDFW approves razor clam dig beginning Dec. 10 at Copalis and Mocrocks

Shellfish managers have given the OK for two days of razor clam digging at Copalis and Mocrocks beaches beginning Saturday, Dec. 10.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved the opening on the two beaches after marine toxin tests confirmed the clams on those beaches are safe to eat. No digging is allowed at any beach before noon.

Low tides on both days of the opening take place in the afternoon, making it possible for diggers to harvest clams in the daylight for a change, said Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager.

“This opening is also the last chance diggers will have to fill their buckets before the Christmas holiday,” Ayres said.

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

Dec. 10, Saturday, 3:28 p.m.; 0.5 feet; Copalis, Mocrocks

Dec. 11, Sunday, 4:21 p.m.; -0.5 feet; Copalis, Mocrocks

Both Long Beach and Twin Harbors are 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.

“It’s disappointing that we aren’t able to open Long Beach or Twin Harbors,” Ayres said. “We’ll continue to monitor toxin levels at all ocean beaches and hope to offer more digging opportunities in the future.”