One-day razor clam dig proposed

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced razor clam enthusiasts may get one more day of digging this season.

If marine toxin tests are favorable, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks will open for digging on the morning tide of May 24.

No digging will be allowed at Long Beach where the state’s annual allowable catch has been reached. Kalaloch Beach remains closed.

Final word will be announced once test results show whether the clams are safe to eat.

The dig is tentatively scheduled for the morning of Saturday, May 24, with no digging allowed after noon. Low tide is 9:58 a.m., at minus 0.5 feet.

Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager, said WDFW was able to offer one more dig because there are sufficient clams remaining in the total allowable catch for those beaches.

“Even though digging was excellent during our early May opener, the digger turnout was lower than expected, leaving enough clams for a last dig,” Ayres said. “It’s hard to walk away from such a great bunch of clams.”

Ayres reminded people they must keep the first 15 clams they dig and not return any to the beach.

“While there are a lot of big clams out there, this is also the time when young one are beginning to show, making it tempting to keep only the big ones,” he said. “But it’s important not to waste the clams and enforcement will be watching.”

Under WDFW rules, harvesters may take no more than 15 razor clams and must keep the first 15 taken, regardless of size or condition.

Each digger’s limit must be kept in a separate container and all diggers must have an applicable 2008-09 fishing license to dig razor clams on any beach.

A license is required for anyone age 15 or older. Licenses can be purchased at http://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov, by telephone at 1-866-246-9453, or in person at more than 600 license vendors throughout the state.

A list of vendors is available at http://wdfw.wa.gov/lic/vendors/vendors.htm.

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