Razor clam digging OK’d for May 2-3

 

Olympia  – Clam diggers got a green light to proceed with a two-day razor clam dig starting May 2 at Copalis and Mocrocks Beaches, in Ocean Shores.

The Polynesian Resort in Ocean Shores has long been a favorite of retreat for fans of razor clam digging.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) 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.

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

• May 2, Saturday; 6:23 a.m., 0.2 feet;  Mocrocks (Ocean Shores)
• May 3, Sunday; 6:59 a.m., -0.3 feet; Mocrocks (Ocean Shores)

WDFW has also proposed additional digs in May, pending the results of future marine toxin tests.

All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2015-16 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. Licenses, ranging from a three-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license, are available on WDFW’s website at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.go and from license vendors around the state.

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.

Tentative upcoming digs

Proposed digs are tentatively scheduled on the following dates.

• May 7, Thursday; 9:30 a.m., -0.8 feet;
• May 8, Friday; 10:14 a.m., -0.7 feet;
• May 9, Saturday; 11:03 a.m., -0.4 feet;
• May 10, Sunday; 11:58 a.m., -0.1 feet; ,

• May 15, Friday; 4:58 a.m., -0.2 feet;
• May 16, Saturday; 5:50 a.m., -0.9 feet;
• May 17, Sunday; 6:38 a.m., -1.5 feet; ,

• May 22, Friday; 10:18 a.m., -0.8 feet;
• May 23, Saturday; 11:03 a.m., -0.2 feet;
• May 24, Sunday; 11:51 a.m., 0.3 feet;