Razor Clam Tides

By Michael Carman

Olympic Peninsula News Group

Razor clam fritters to help ring in the new year? That’s a possibility with coastal razor clam digs set to run Tuesday through Friday, Dec. 29, at various ocean beaches.

Not all beaches are open for every dig, so diggers are encouraged to make sure their intended destination is open before heading out. Optimal digging occurs between one and two hours before the listed time of low tide.

The following digs during afternoon and evening low tides (noon to midnight only) will proceed as scheduled, after marine toxin results from the state Department of Health (DOH) showed razor clams are safe to eat:

• Tuesday, 6:18 p.m.: -0.9 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis.

• Wednesday, 6:57 p.m.: -0.8 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks.

• Thursday, 7:35 p.m.: -0.6 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis.

• Friday, Dec. 29: 8:11 p.m.; -0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks.

The DOH requires test samples for marine toxins, and domoic acid levels must fall under the guideline level before a beach can open for digging.

Additional tentative dates are Jan. 9-15 and Jan. 22-28.