Razor clam diggers can return to coastal beaches starting Friday, April 17.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife approved the digs after marine toxin tests showed the clams on those beaches are safe to eat. All of the digs are scheduled on morning tides. No digging will be allowed on any beach after noon.
Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager, noted that the upcoming dig coincides with the Long Beach Razor Clam Festival, scheduled April 18-19 in Long Beach. Festival events range from free clam-digging lessons to a fritter cook-off. More information is available at http://longbeachrazorclamfestival.com/
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.
The upcoming dig is scheduled on the following dates, beaches and low tides:
April 17, Friday, 6:03 a.m.; -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
April 18, Saturday, 6:52 a.m.; -0.9 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Copalis
April 19, Sunday, 7:39 a.m.; -1.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Copalis
April 20, Monday, 8:25 a.m.; -1.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors
April 21, Tuesday, 9:11 a.m.; -1.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors
April 22, Wednesday, 9:57 a.m.; -0.9 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors
April 23, Thursday, 10:46 a.m.; -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors
April 24, Friday, 11:38 a.m.; 0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors
During all upcoming digs, state wildlife managers urge clam diggers to avoid disturbing snowy plovers and streaked horned larks. Both species nest in the soft, dry sand at Leadbetter Point on the Long Beach Peninsula and on a section of Twin Harbors beach.
The snowy plover is a small bird with gray wings and a white breast. The lark is a small bird with a pale yellow breast and brown back. Male larks have a black mask, breast band and “horns.”
To protect these birds, the department asks that clam diggers avoid the dunes and areas of the beach with soft, dry sand. When driving to a clam-digging area, diggers should enter the beach only at designated access points and stay on the hard-packed sand near or below the high tide line.
