Tag: Washington seabirds

Grab Your Bucket: Three clamming dates set for mid-October

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Photo credit: Columbian

Photo credit: Columbian

The first razor clam digs of the fall season are planned for mid-October on Washington ocean beaches.

Releasing the tentative schedule earlier than usual this year allows people plenty of time to make plans to go digging this fall, according to managers from the Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife.

It also gives you extra time to secure the best rooms and fall rates at The Polynesian Resort.

The first proposed razor clam digs at Copalis Beach, along with evening low tides and beaches are:

  • 14, Friday, 5:55 p.m.; 0.2 feet; Copalis,
  • 15, Saturday, 6:42 p.m.; -0.6 feet, Copalis,
  • 16, Sunday, 7:28 p.m.; -1.1 feet, Copalis,

WDFW typically confirms that the dig will go forward about a week before the opening, based on final marine toxin tests.

Last year, the start of the season was delayed due to elevated levels of domoic acid, a natural toxin produced by certain types of marine algae.  Recent testing indicates current levels are well within public health standards.

If you have never gone clam digging, here’s what you need to know.

  • 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.
  • All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2016-17 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 from license vendors around the state and WDFW’s licensing customer service number at (360) 902-2464.

Razor clam dig OK’d for Easter weekend!

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Razor Clam diggers have a green light to dig razor clams Easter weekend, March 25-27
clams at Mocrocks Beach, just north of Ocean Shores.

This is great news for our guests, said Ginny Hll, manager of the The Polynesian Resort.   “Last weekends’ dig was incredibly bountiful.  It didn’t take long at all for clam diggers to reach their limits.”

She encouraged those interested in clamming this weekend to books rooms at The Polynesian now.

The Polynesian offers the only apartment-style lodging accommodations in Ocean Shores. The affordable, fully furnished suites provide plenty of room for families and small groups. With complete kitchens, it’s easy to cook in.

The dig at Mocrocks is scheduled on morning tides and ends at noon each day. Low tides during the three-day dig at Mocrocks are:

  • March 25, Friday, 8:31 a.m.; 0.7 feet; Mocrocks
  • March 26, Saturday, 9:06 a.m.; 0.6 feet; Mocrocks
  • March 27, Sunday, 9:42 a.m.; 0.7 feet; Mocrocks

Mocrocks Beach extends from the Copalis River to the south boundary of the Quinault Indian Reservation.

The timing is perfect.  The town’s  Easter Egg hunt hosted by the Fire Department is set for Easter Sunday at 1pm at the Ocean Shores Elementary school. All ages are welcome to join the fun.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), which sets seasons for the fishery, also announced proposed dates for clam digging on April 7-10 and April 23, 25-26. They will confirm those dates about a week prior.

 

 

 

Hands-on Learning: Coastal Interpretive Center in Ocean Shores

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A visit to the Coastal Innativeterpretive Center in Ocean Shores provides a fun and hands-on learning experience for all ages, fulfilling the center’s mission of promoting environmental stewardship.

The non-profit Coastal Interpretive Center is charged with educating the public concerning natural and man-made environments on the Point Brown Peninsula through the presentation of the history and ecology of coastal life.

Popular displays include Native American artifacts and basketry, rock identification tables, and several collections of shells and whalebones.  There are displays about maritime history, Japanese tsunami debris still washing ashore and information about the history of Ocean Shores.   Natural history galleries focus on seabirds, area wildlife and marine life, particularly the Orca whales that live in the waters of the San Juan Islands.

The center’s exhibits and displays captivate people of all ages and backgrounds.

The Coastal Interpretative Center is open from 11 a.m.to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, now through April.  It’s open daily May through September.   The center is located on the south end of Ocean Shores, between the Marina and the community club.

A retail shop is operated on site, offering a wide variety of books and gifts.  All proceeds help underwrite the center, which is also member supported.

Visitors to the center are welcomed by volunteers who can guide you through the exhibits.   Special or larger groups are encouraged to call ahead to make reservations.

The center is located at 1033 Catala Ave, SE.   For more information, call 360-289-4617.