State announces 62 days of tentative razor clam digs in 2021

Daily limit raised to 20 clams

August 31, 2021 1:30 am
Courtesy of Department of Fish and Wildlife Nine straight days of razor clam digging at select beaches begins Sept. 17, 2021. High populations have allowed the limit to be raised from 15 to 20.
Courtesy of Department of Fish and Wildlife Nine straight days of razor clam digging at select beaches begins Sept. 17, 2021. High populations have allowed the limit to be raised from 15 to 20.

State shellfish managers have announced 62 tentative days of razor clam digging starting Sept. 17, with razor clam populations strong enough to raise the limit from 15 to 20 a day.

As always, final approval of tentatively scheduled openings depends on results of marine toxin tests. Much of the 2020-21 razor clam season was impacted by high domoic acid levels, but this year’s season so far is looking good, both in terms of clam abundance and domoic acid, according to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Coastal Shellfish Manager Dan Ayres.

“Similar to last year’s preseason indications, we’re estimating very strong razor clam populations at most coastal beaches,” Ayres said.

“We’re optimistic that diggers will have plenty of great opportunities to dig for these clams this fall and winter.”

There are nine straight days of digging tentatively scheduled Sept. 17-25. All open beaches — Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, and Copalis — will have increased limits through the end of 2021, with diggers allowed to keep 20 clams instead of the usual 15.

“We’re confident that these beaches can support the increased harvest, at least through the end of the year,” Ayres said. “We’ll reevaluate before announcing the 2022 digging dates to see if we need to adjust the limit.”

Here are the tentative dates for September digs, along with low tides and beaches. All dates are tentative pending final marine toxin testing, which usually occurs about a week or less prior to each set of openings. No digging is allowed before noon during digs when low tide occurs in the afternoon or evening.

A complete list of tentative dates and beaches is online at wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfishing-regulations/razor-clams.

Sept. 17, Friday, 4:30 a.m.; -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

Sept. 18, Saturday, 5:22 a.m.; -0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

Sept. 19, Sunday, 6:06 a.m.; -0.6 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

Sept. 20, Monday, 6:45 a.m.; -0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

Sept. 21, Tuesday, 7:21 a.m.; -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

Sept. 22, Wednesday, 7:54 a.m.; +0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

Sept. 23, Thursday, 8:58 p.m.; +0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

Sept. 24, Friday, 9:36 p.m.; +0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

Sept. 25, Saturday, 10:15 p.m.; 0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

Kalaloch Beach will not open due to continuing issues with depressed populations of harvestable clams.

With COVID-19 still impacting communities throughout Washington, officials are asking diggers to continue practicing social distancing, following local and state guidance on masks and face coverings, and being respectful of local communities and residents.

“We’re extremely grateful to everyone who helped this season come together, including local leaders, county health officers, and Washington State Parks,” said Larry Phillips, director of Fish and Wildlife’s Coastal Region. “We’ll be working hard to help ensure a safe, productive digging season, and the public can do their part by following health and safety guidelines.”