WDFW approves razor clam digging at Long Beach beginning Thursday, March 23 in addition to digs planned at other coastal beaches

OLYMPIA – Washington Division of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish supervisors currently confirmed coastal razor clam digging reopens at Long Beach front on Thursday, March 23 in addition to digs planned at Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks.

“For the very first time this razor clam year, domoic acid toxicity is under closure stages coastwide in Washington,” stated Bryce Blumenthal, a WDFW coastal shellfish biologist. “We nonetheless have a great deal of harvestable good-sized razor clams on all shorelines for some similarly wonderful digging in the course of the to start with daylight small tides opportunities of spring.”

The pursuing dig for the duration of evening (p.m.) very low tide will move forward as scheduled:

• March 22, Wednesday, 7:56 PM . toes Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

The next digs through morning (a.m.) very low tides will carry on as scheduled:

• March 23, Thursday, 8:29 AM -.3 ft Extensive Seashore, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• March 24, Friday, 9:13 AM -.4 toes Prolonged Beach front, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• March 25, Saturday, 9:57 AM -.2 ft Prolonged Seaside, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• March 26, Sunday, 10:44 AM .2 feet Prolonged Beach front, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

Future tentative digs throughout early morning (a.m.) lower tides are scheduled (digging extended to 1 p.m. on April 12 only):

• April 6, Thursday, 7:34 AM .3 ft Very long Seaside, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• April 7, Friday, 8:10 AM -.1 feet Very long Beach front, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• April 8, Saturday, 8:48 AM -.3 feet Lengthy Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks (Prolonged Beach front Razor Clam Pageant)
• April 9, Sunday, 9:29 AM -.4 toes Extended Seaside, Twin Harbors, Copalis (Long Beach front Razor Clam Festival)
• April 10, Monday, 10:15 AM -.4 toes Lengthy Seashore, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• April 11, Tuesday, 11:09 AM -.2 feet Very long Seaside, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• April 12, Wednesday, 12:12 PM .1 feet Very long Seashore, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks (digging extended until 1 PM)
• April 19, Wednesday, 6:44 AM -.4 feet Long Beach front, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• April 20, Thursday, 7:28 AM -.9 feet Extensive Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• April 21, Friday, 8:09 AM -1.2 feet Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• April 22, Saturday, 8:50 AM -1.1 ft Long Seashore, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• April 23, Sunday, 9:31 AM -.8 feet Prolonged Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• April 24, Monday, 10:14 AM -.4 ft Very long Seashore, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• April 25, Tuesday, 11:01 AM .1 feet Long Seaside, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

Not all shorelines are open for every single dig, so diggers are inspired to make certain their intended location is open up in advance of heading out. WDFW will announce digging chances through the WDFW razor clam webpage when marine toxin assessments present it is safe and sound to do so.

Domoic acid, a purely natural toxin created by particular kinds of maritime algae, can be destructive or deadly if consumed in ample quantities. WDFW will go on to routinely dig check samples of razor clams to keep track of the scenario. More info about domoic acid, as properly as recent concentrations at ocean seashores, can be observed on WDFW’s domoic acid webpage and on the DOH webpage.

The each day limit is 15 razor clams for every person. Below point out law, a each day limit is composed of the first 15 clams dug regardless of measurement or affliction, and each digger’s clams must be stored in a independent container. Digging is prohibited in the razor clam reserves, which are marked by 10-foot poles with indicators. The reserves are located just south of the Ocean Town solution on Copalis and 2.8 miles north of the Oysterville approach on Long Beach front. The most prosperous digging takes place amongst a single and two hrs prior to the detailed time of low tide.

With the spring rapid approaching, Washingtonians need to take into account acquiring 2023-2024 recreational looking and fishing licenses, offered from hundreds of license suppliers all around the state. WDFW recommends buying your license in advance of existing licenses expire following March 31. All diggers age 15 or older ought to have an relevant fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach front. To be notified of in-time rule alterations as they are introduced signal up for email notifications at wdfw.wa.gov/about/lists.

Shellfish and seafood lovers can also begin making programs to attend the Very long Seashore Razor Clam Competition on April 8-9. This extensive-running celebration celebrates the unique contribution of razor clams to Washington’s society and coastal communities.

The Washington Division of Fish and Wildlife functions to preserve, secure, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while supplying sustainable fish and wildlife leisure and professional opportunities.