WDFW plans first razor clam digs of 2018

State shellfish managers have proposed the first round of razor clam digs in 2018, starting with the addition of New Year's Day on two beaches followed by a weeklong dig extending from late January into early February.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will confirm that schedule prior to each dig, provided that upcoming marine toxin tests show the clams are safe to eat.

Under WDFW's plan, Twin Harbors and Mocrocks beaches will open for digging at noon Jan. 1, extending a dig previously scheduled for New Year's Eve at four ocean beaches. Starting Jan. 28, WDFW then plans to open various beaches for razor-clam digging through Feb. 3.

No digging will be allowed at any beach before noon.

Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager, said the Jan. 1 opening is designed to give families a chance to ring in the new year digging clams on the beach.

"We know that digging razor clams is a New Year's tradition for many families and we want to help them keep tradition alive," Ayres said.

That and other digs are proposed on the following beaches, dates and evening low tides:

Dec. 31, Sunday, 5:12 p.m .; -1.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks (previously announced and pending final toxin results);

Jan. 1, Monday, 6:02 p.m .; -1.7 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks;

Jan. 28, Sunday, 4:06 p.m .; -0.4 feet; Mocrocks;

Jan. 29, Monday, 4:59 p.m .; -1.0 feet; Copalis;

Jan. 30, Tuesday, 5:47 p.m .; -1.5 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks;

Jan. 31, Wednesday, 6:33 p.m .; -1.6 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis;

Feb. 1, Thursday, 7:17 p.m .; -1.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks;

Feb. 2, Friday, 8:00 p.m .; -1.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis;

Feb. 3, Saturday, 8:42 p.m .; -0.4; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks.

All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2017-18 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.

Under state law, diggers at open beaches can take 15 razor clams per day. Each digger's clams must be kept in a separate container.

For updates on upcoming openings, see WDFW's website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/current.html.