WDFW press release

State shellfish managers have announced tentative dates for evening razor clam digs during the next two months at Washington’s ocean beaches.

In announcing the first digs of 2012, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) emphasized that final approval of all openings will depend on results of marine toxin tests that show the clams are safe to eat.

The first dig is scheduled Jan. 20-21 at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks on evening tides. The second is planned during President’s Day weekend, Feb. 18-19, at Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Mocrocks.

No digging will be allowed at any beach before noon.

Additional digs through spring will be announced once a catch assessment is completed for the season through February, said Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager.

Kalaloch Beach will remain closed until April, due to a low abundance of razor clams. The National Park Service, which manages that beach in cooperation with WDFW, has announced plans to open Kalaloch for a razor clam dig April 7-9.

The dates, beaches and evening low tides for the digs scheduled in January and February are:

·         Jan. 20, Friday, 4:28 p.m. (-0.5 feet); Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks

·         Jan. 21, Saturday, 5:17 p.m. (-0.8 feet); Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks

·         Feb.18, Saturday, 4:13 p.m. (0.0 feet) Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Mocrocks

·         Feb.19, Sunday, 5 p.m. (-0.2 feet) Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Mocrocks