WDFW plans additional razor clam digs at Mocrocks

Razor clam diggers will have another beach to consider in May, thanks to a decision by state shellfish managers to add Mocrocks to the list of tentatively scheduled openings.

Updated harvest estimates for Mocrocks show that beach has sufficient clams to support additional digs, said Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

"We have reviewed our harvest levels to date and are excited to offer additional dates to round out a great razor clam season at Mocrocks," Ayres said.

Final approval on upcoming digs will be announced after marine-toxin test results confirm the clams are safe to eat. For additional information about upcoming razor clam digs, see WDFW's website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/current.html .

Proposed digs are tentatively scheduled on the following dates, beaches and low tides:

· May 2, Saturday; 6:23 a.m., 0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks;

· May 3, Sunday; 6:59 a.m., -0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks;

· May 7, Thursday; 9:30 a.m., -0.8 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors;

· May 8, Friday; 10:14 a.m., -0.7 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks;

· May 9, Saturday; 11:03 a.m., -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks;

· May 10, Sunday; 11:58 a.m., -0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks;

· May 15, Friday; 4:58 a.m., -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks;

· May 16, Saturday; 5:50 a.m., -0.9 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks;

· May 17, Sunday; 6:38 a.m., -1.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks;

· May 22, Friday; 10:18 a.m., -0.8 feet; Mocrocks;

· May 23, Saturday; 11:03 a.m., -0.2 feet; Mocrocks;

· May 24, Sunday; 11:51 a.m., 0.3 feet; Mocrocks.

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 2015-16 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 on WDFW's website at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov and from license vendors around the state.