03-04-2008, 11:10 PM
OLYMPIA - Clam diggers got the go ahead to proceed with a variety of razor-clam digs during the March 7-12 time period, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced today.
Twin Harbors will be open for digging on all six days, while Long Beach will open on the March 8-9 weekend only. The digs were approved after marine toxin tests showed the clams were safe to eat. No other beaches will be open.
The dig will open on evening tides March 7 and 8, then switch to morning tides March 9-12.
WDFW is offering the March opener because blustery weather conditions caused many people to stay home from February's dig, said Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager for WDFW.
"The weather didn't cooperate in February and people couldn't get out," Ayres said. "So we're pleased to offer this extended dig in March."
Future digs also may be scheduled in April at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks if enough clams are available for harvest, Ayres said.
Kalaloch is closed for the 2008 season.
Clam digs on evening tides are allowed only during the hours between noon and midnight, while each morning dig must be completed by noon, Ayres said.
He also reminded diggers to note the switch from standard to daylight time, which begins March 9.
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 .
Opening dates and tides are:
"¢ March 7, Friday, 6:21 p.m., +0.3: Twin Harbors only
"¢ March 8, Saturday, 6:58 p.m., +0.5: Twin Harbors and Longbeach only
"¢ March 9, Sunday, 8:28 a.m., +0.3: Twin Harbors and Longbeach only (switch to morning tides; daylight savings time starts)
"¢ March 10, Monday, 9:12 a.m., 0.0: Twin Harbors only
"¢ March 11, Tuesday, 9:59 a.m., -0.1: Twin Harbors only
"¢ March 12, Wednesday, 10:51 a.m., 0.0: Twin Harbors only
Locations of beaches scheduled to open are:
"¢ Long Beach, which extends from the Columbia River to Leadbetter Point.
"¢ Twin Harbors Beach, which extends from the mouth of Willapa Bay north to the mouth of Grays Harbor.
Twin Harbors will be open for digging on all six days, while Long Beach will open on the March 8-9 weekend only. The digs were approved after marine toxin tests showed the clams were safe to eat. No other beaches will be open.
The dig will open on evening tides March 7 and 8, then switch to morning tides March 9-12.
WDFW is offering the March opener because blustery weather conditions caused many people to stay home from February's dig, said Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager for WDFW.
"The weather didn't cooperate in February and people couldn't get out," Ayres said. "So we're pleased to offer this extended dig in March."
Future digs also may be scheduled in April at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks if enough clams are available for harvest, Ayres said.
Kalaloch is closed for the 2008 season.
Clam digs on evening tides are allowed only during the hours between noon and midnight, while each morning dig must be completed by noon, Ayres said.
He also reminded diggers to note the switch from standard to daylight time, which begins March 9.
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 .
Opening dates and tides are:
"¢ March 7, Friday, 6:21 p.m., +0.3: Twin Harbors only
"¢ March 8, Saturday, 6:58 p.m., +0.5: Twin Harbors and Longbeach only
"¢ March 9, Sunday, 8:28 a.m., +0.3: Twin Harbors and Longbeach only (switch to morning tides; daylight savings time starts)
"¢ March 10, Monday, 9:12 a.m., 0.0: Twin Harbors only
"¢ March 11, Tuesday, 9:59 a.m., -0.1: Twin Harbors only
"¢ March 12, Wednesday, 10:51 a.m., 0.0: Twin Harbors only
Locations of beaches scheduled to open are:
"¢ Long Beach, which extends from the Columbia River to Leadbetter Point.
"¢ Twin Harbors Beach, which extends from the mouth of Willapa Bay north to the mouth of Grays Harbor.