February razor clam dig tentatively scheduled

A razor-clam dig has been tentatively scheduled February 6-9 at two ocean beaches, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced.

Twin Harbors will open for four late-evening digs February 6-9, while Long Beach will open on February 8 and 9, once marine toxin tests show the clams are safe to eat.

As with previous digs this season, digging will be allowed only during the hours between noon and midnight.

The February schedule includes two extra days for Twin Harbors but no days for Mocrocks or Copalis due to the low number of clams available for harvest, said Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager for WDFW.

“We want to make sure there will be enough clams to support a dig at all four beaches this spring,” Ayres said. “These are popular digs because they’re held on morning tides.”

Kalaloch will remain closed throughout the 2008 season.

Because the tentative February dig will be held on late-evening tides, Ayres reminds diggers to take a flashlight or lantern when they head out.

Depending on harvest data, WDFW may announce additional digging opportunities in March, but likely only at Twin Harbors, Ayres said.

Harvesters are allowed to take no more than 15 razor clams and must keep the first 15 they dig, regardless of size or condition. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container.

A license is required for anyone age 15 or older. Any 2007 Washington state annual shellfish/seaweed license or combination license is still valid. Another option is a razor-clam only license available in annual or three-day only versions. Descriptions of the various licensing options are available on the WDFW website at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov.

Ayres said the best time to start digging at all beaches is an hour or two before low tide.

Opening dates and tides are:

• February 6, 6:15 p.m., 0.1, Twin Harbors only.

• February 7, 6:52 p.m., 0.0, Twin Harbors only.

• February 8, 7:27 p.m., +0.1, Long Beach and Twin Harbors only.

• February 9, 8:02 p.m., +0.4, Long Beach and Twin Harbors only.