WDFW Plans Razor Clam Digging

WDFW tentatively plans three days of digging for razor clams starting May 18 at Mocrocks

OLYMPIA – State shellfish managers have tentatively scheduled a “bonus” razor clam dig on ocean beaches for three days, May 18-20.

Final approval of the scheduled opening will depend on whether results of marine toxin tests show the clams are safe to eat.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) typically announces whether a dig will go forward about a week before the opening, said Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager for the department.

The dig is proposed for the following dates, low tides and beaches:

May 18, Saturday, 6:58 a.m .; -1.4 feet; Mocrocks

May 19, Sunday, 7:41 a.m .; -1.6 feet; Mocrocks

May 20, Monday, 8:23 a.m .; -1.6 feet; Mocrocks

“After careful evaluation of the season’s clam harvest, we are happy to announce that healthy clam populations on Mocrocks beach support another dig,” said Ayres.

In order to ensure conservation of clams for future generations, WDFW sets tentative razor clam seasons that are based on the results from the annual coast-wide razor clam stock assessment and by considering how many clams have been harvested so far. WDFW authorizes each dig independently after getting the results of marine toxin testing.

All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2019-20 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach; 2018-19 licenses are no longer valid for this dig. Licenses, ranging from a three-day razor clam license (starting at $9.70) to an annual combination fishing license, are available on WDFW's website at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov and from license vendors around the state.

Under state law, diggers at open beaches can take 15 razor clams per day and are required to keep the first 15 they dig. Each digger's clams must be kept in a separate container.

WDFW is the state agency tasked with preserving, protecting and perpetuating fish, wildlife and ecosystems, while providing sustainable fishing, hunting and other outdoor recreation opportunities. WDFW razor clam digs support outdoor lifestyles and coastal economies.