Razor clams pass toxin test; 6-day dig starts Friday

THE OLYMPIAN

Originally published Wednesday, April 10, 2002

OLYMPIA -- A six-day razor clam dig is set to start Friday after marine toxin test results showed the clams safe to eat, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife said.

The upcoming dig may be the last of the season for most Washington razor clam beaches, which will be open for digging on morning tides Friday through April 17.

"If you want to dig razor clams, the upcoming six-day opening will be your best bet," said Dan Ayres, Fish and Wildlife razor clam biologist. Another dig may be scheduled, but Ayers expects the annual recreational allocation to be met for most areas by the end of the dig.

Diggers must have a valid 2002 shellfish or two-day license. Licenses are available at most sporting goods stores and other dealers throughout the state; over the phone at 866-246-9453; or via the Internet at http://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/.

Clam diggers must keep only the first 15 taken, regardless of size or condition and each digger's limit must be kept in a separate container.

Digging will be permitted during morning hours until noon at the following beaches:

- Long Beach, including the entire Long Beach Peninsula.

- Twin Harbors, including Westport, Grayland, Midway and North Cove.

- Copalis, including Ocean Shores, Oyhut, Ocean City and Copalis.

- Mocrocks, including Iron Springs, Roosevelt Beach, Pacific Beach and Moclips.

- Kalaloch, from the South Beach Campground to Brown's Point within the Olympic National Park.

Tide for diggers:

- Friday: 7:32 a.m., minus .6 feet, sunrise at 6:34 a.m.

- Saturday: 8:09 a.m., minus .2 feet, sunrise at 6:32 a.m.

- Sunday: 8:45 a.m., minus .1 feet, sunrise at 6:30 a.m.

- Monday: 9:22 a.m., minus .3 feet, sunrise at 6:29 a.m.

- Tuesday: 9:59 a.m., minus .3 feet, sunrise at 6:27 a.m.

- April 17: 10:40 a.m., minus .1 feet, sunrise at 6:25 a.m.

- Note: Tides are for Point Brown at Ocean Shores.

The Olympian Copyright 2002

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