Razor clam dig OK'd on four beaches

Clam diggers received Tuesday approval for a morning razor clam dig starting April 19 at four ocean beaches after marine toxin tests showed the clams at those beaches are safe to eat.

Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks will all be open for digging April 19-20. Twin Harbors will be open for three additional days, April 21-23, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

No digging will be allowed after noon on any beach. Kalaloch Beach will remain closed to harvest.

Depending on harvest numbers after the April opener, there may be enough clams left in the quota on some beaches for additional digging opportunities in May, said Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager.

“With the variable digging conditions we’ve experienced since the first of the year, the harvest has been lower than expected,” Ayres said. “Following this April opener we’ll know if there will be enough clams for some May digging on one or more beaches.”

Dates and low tides are:

* Saturday, April 19, 6:40 a.m., -0.1 ft: Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks.

* Sunday, April 20, 7:18 a.m., -0.4 ft: Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks.

* Monday, April 21, 7:55 a.m., -0.6 ft: Twin Harbors only.

* Tuesday, April 22, 8:30 a.m., -0.6 ft: Twin Harbors only.

* Wednesday, April 23, 9:06 a.m., -0.5 ft: Twin Harbors only.