04-07-2008, 08:10 PM
OLYMPIA - Clam diggers today received the go-ahead to proceed with a morning razor clam dig starting April 6 at two ocean beaches after marine toxin tests showed the clams at those beaches are safe to eat.
Twin Harbors will be open April 6-9, while Long Beach will be open April 6-8 only, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).
No digging will be allowed after noon on any beach.
WDFW has tentatively scheduled a second morning dig April 19-23, pending the results of another round of marine toxin tests. If approved, Twin Harbors would be open for razor clam digging April 19-23. Long Beach, Copalis and Mocrocks would be open April 19-20 only. Again, no digging would be allowed after noon on any beach.
Kalaloch Beach will remain closed to all digs.
With April 1 marking the beginning of the current license year, all diggers must have an applicable 2008-09 fishing license to dig razor clams on any beach. A license is required for anyone age 15 or older. Licenses can be purchased at http://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov , by telephone (1-866-246-9453), or in person at more than 600 license vendors throughout the state. A list of vendors is available at http://wdfw.wa.gov/lic/vendors/vendors.htm .
"We advise diggers to purchase their new license before they head to the beach," said Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager. "Morning digs are very popular, and no one wants to be standing in line to buy a license at low tide."
Under WDFW rules, harvesters may take no more than 15 razor clams and must keep the first 15 taken, regardless of size or condition. Each digger's limit must be kept in a separate container.
Twin Harbors will be open April 6-9, while Long Beach will be open April 6-8 only, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).
No digging will be allowed after noon on any beach.
WDFW has tentatively scheduled a second morning dig April 19-23, pending the results of another round of marine toxin tests. If approved, Twin Harbors would be open for razor clam digging April 19-23. Long Beach, Copalis and Mocrocks would be open April 19-20 only. Again, no digging would be allowed after noon on any beach.
Kalaloch Beach will remain closed to all digs.
With April 1 marking the beginning of the current license year, all diggers must have an applicable 2008-09 fishing license to dig razor clams on any beach. A license is required for anyone age 15 or older. Licenses can be purchased at http://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov , by telephone (1-866-246-9453), or in person at more than 600 license vendors throughout the state. A list of vendors is available at http://wdfw.wa.gov/lic/vendors/vendors.htm .
"We advise diggers to purchase their new license before they head to the beach," said Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager. "Morning digs are very popular, and no one wants to be standing in line to buy a license at low tide."
Under WDFW rules, harvesters may take no more than 15 razor clams and must keep the first 15 taken, regardless of size or condition. Each digger's limit must be kept in a separate container.