Seven-day clam dig includes Easter weekend

OLYMPIA — State shellfish managers have approved a weeklong series of razor clam digs, which encompass Easter weekend, starting Saturday at four ocean beaches.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed the digs after marine toxin tests showed the clams on those beaches are safe to eat.

All of the digs are scheduled on morning tides. No digging will be allowed on any beach after noon.

Dan Ayres, Fish & Wildlife coastal shellfish manager, reminds diggers they will need a valid 2015-16 fishing license to participate in all upcoming razor clam digs, since the new license year begins April 1. Various types of fishing licenses are available online fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov, by phone at 866-246-9453, and from authorized license dealers throughout the state.

“The razor clams we’re seeing are really fattening up, and are perfect for the frying pan,” Ayres said.

Under state law, diggers are required to keep the first 15 clams they dig. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container

The upcoming dig is scheduled on the following dates, beaches, and low tides:

• Saturday, April 4, 7:23 a.m.; 0.6 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Copalis

• Sunday, April 5, 7:57 a.m.; 0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Copalis

• Monday, April 6, 8:32 a.m.; 0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors

• Tuesday, April 7, 9:09 a.m.; 0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors

• Wednesday, April 8, 9:48 a.m.; 0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors

• Thursday, April 9, 10:32 a.m.; 0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors

• Friday, April 10, 11:23 a.m.; 0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors

Fish & Wildlife has also proposed additional digs in April and May, pending the results of future marine toxin tests. Tentative dates for those digs are posted on the department’s website at http://ift.tt/16ZKK9N.

During all upcoming digs, state wildlife managers urge clam diggers to avoid disturbing snowy plovers and streaked horned larks. Both species nest in the soft, dry sand at Leadbetter Point on the Long Beach Peninsula, and on a section of Twin Harbors beach. Both species are listed as “threatened” under the federal Endangered Species Act.