Final razor clam digof season this weekend

Two ocean beaches will open for the last razor clam dig of the spring season starting May 4, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced April 30.

Twin Harbors will open for digging on morning tides May 4, joined by Long Beach May 5 and 6. Each day’s dig on those beaches must be completed by noon.

WDFW approved the digs after marine toxin tests showed the clams were safe to eat.

The dig is planned only for Twin Harbors and Long Beach because the recreational harvest has reached annual quotas on other beaches, said Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager for WDFW.

“We’re pleased to have clams available on these two beaches for a final dig in May,” said Ayres. “We’ve had a great season this year. Even in April, individuals were averaging about 14 clams a trip. This last dig is the icing on the cake.”

Ayres recommends that clam enthusiasts start digging at least one hour before low tide. Low tides during the planned dig are as follows:

--May 4, 8:35 a.m., -0.9 ft: Twin Harbors only;

--May 5, 9:12 a.m., -0.8 ft: Twin Harbors, Long Beach;

--May 6, 9:50 a.m., -0.6 ft: Twin Harbors, Long Beach.