Clam digging to continue

THE OLYMPIAN

Originally published November 16, 2001

MONTESANO -- Razor clam digging continued this week on designated ocean beaches after an analysis of test results showed the clams are safe to eat.

Though bad weather kept the number of clam diggers down, most of those who ventured out got their limits.

The clam season, however, is set by the number of clams dug, so if fewer people are digging more days will be added later in the season, said Dan Ayres, shellfish biologist for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

"There's plenty of digging ahead," he said.

Four beaches will be open for digging from noon until midnight Friday and a fifth beach -- Kalaloch -- will be open with the others Saturday.

The digging schedule, along with afternoon or evening low tides, is as follows:

- Friday: (7:14 p.m., minus 1.1) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks

- Saturday: (7:57 p.m., minus 0.9) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks and Kalaloch.

The best digging is about an hour before low tide.

Clam diggers must have a valid 2001 license to harvest shellfish.

The Olympian Copyright 2001

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