Tag: Shellfish

Mocrocks Beach Opens for Digs

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In a press release found here, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers today confirmed razor clam digging reopens at Mocrocks beaches Feb. 4 followed by opportunities Feb. 6 and Feb. 8. This is in addition to Copalis Beach open on Feb. 5 and Feb. 7.

As previously reported, the 2022-2023 razor clam season has been held up by high levels of domoic acid in the clams making them unsafe to eat. The levels remain within the safety margin at Copalis Beach and Mocrocks Beach ONLY.

The Washington Department of Health (WDOH) labs indicate domoic acid levels at Long Beach and Twin Harbors beaches were still above the health guideline levels. WDOH requires that two test samples taken around seven days apart must fall under the health guideline level before a beach can reopen for razor clam digging

Domoic acid, a natural toxin produced by certain types of marine algae, can be harmful or fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities.

WDFW shellfish staff will continue to regularly dig test samples of razor clams to monitor the situation.

Be sure to get your official Razor Clam Society T-shirt while supplies last.

Be sure to check out the Razor Clam Society Beach Map to know where and when to dig.

Approved Dig Dates, Tide Times, and Beach Locations Appear Below.

Digging is allowed during the evening low tide only:

  • Feb. 3, Friday, 5:37 p.m.; 0.1 feet; Copalis
  • Feb. 4, Saturday, 6:11 p.m.; -0.1 feet; Mocrocks
  • Feb. 5, Sunday, 6:43 p.m.; -0.2 feet; Copalis
  • Feb. 6, Monday, 6:43 p.m.; -0.1 feet; Mocrocks
  • Feb. 7, Tuesday, 7:42 p.m.; 0.1 feet; Copalis
  • Feb. 8, Wednesday, 8:11 p.m.; 0.4 feet; Mocrocks

2022-2023 recreational hunting and fishing licenses are required as of April 1.

The DAILY LIMIT per person is 15 clams, no matter what condition they are in, once removed from the sand, the clams must be kept. Digging is prohibited in the razor clam reserve located just south of the Ocean City approach on Copalis, which are marked by 10-foot poles with signs. Always check with official sources if you have any questions. All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. And, each digger must keep their razor clams in a separate container. Don’t mix your clams. Licenses, ranging from a three-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license, are available from license vendors around the state and WDFW’s licensing customer service number at (360) 902-2464.

The Acid Test

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Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) has just released domoic acid test results for razor clam beaches. Trends are looking favorable for razor clam enthusiasts.

The test results appear below.

In a communication to recipients of the test results, Dan Ayers, Coastal Shellfish Manager for WDFW, noted: “We were hoping that today’s razor clam domoic acid results would allow us to open Mocrocks. However, as you can see below, no future razor clam dates will be announced until domoic acid levels in razor clams drop below the action level in two sets of consecutive tests, at least 7 days apart. We will be collecting samples every seven days (as low tides allow) with the hope that some beach may be able to open soon.”

Note that in all these samples; only razor clam meat tissue is tested.

Long Beach Area E (north): Collected 4/15/21

·                     domoic acid =   26 ppm

·                     PSP = none detected

·                     DSP = none detected

Twin Harbors Area CL (middle): Collected 4/15/21

·                     domoic acid =   11 ppm

·                     PSP = none detected

·                     DSP = none detected

Copalis Area XK (middle): Collected 4/13/21

·                     domoic acid =   26 ppm

·                     PSP = none detected

·                     DSP = none detected

Copalis Area XL (middle): Collected 4/13/21

·                     domoic acid =   30 ppm

·                     PSP = none detected

·                     DSP = none detected

Copalis Area GS (north): Collected 4/13/21

·                     domoic acid =   20 ppm

·                     PSP = none detected

·                     DSP = none detected

Mocrocks Area BC (south): Collected 4/18/21

·                     domoic acid =   1 ppm

·                     PSP = none detected

·                     DSP = none detected

Mocrocks Area CP (middle): Collected 4/18/21

·                     domoic acid =   27 ppm

·                     PSP = none detected

·                     DSP = none detected

Mocrocks Area MP (north): Collected 4/18/21

·                     domoic acid =   20 ppm

·                     PSP = none detected

·                     DSP = none detected

2021-2022 Shellfishing Licenses

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Save the date: March 31 is the date all 2020-2021 annual shellfishing licenses expire. New licenses are on sale April 1. Get your annual shellfishing license and enjoy all the other shellfishing activities that are possible around WA State, including the Puget Sound and beyond.

In Case You Missed It….

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A press release from WDFW.

Published on Apr 27, 2020

OLYMPIA –The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Parks) announced today they will reopen state-managed lands on Tuesday, May 5, for local day-use only recreation.

The reopening will apply to state-managed parks, wildlife areas, recreation land, and boat launches. However, it may take several days for gates to be unlocked and sites to be serviced at remote areas due to limited staff capacity.

Some parks may not open immediately due to impacts on rural communities and the potential for crowding. State Parks is working with local communities and its partners to determine the best approach and timing to reopening these areas.

Visitor centers, camping, and other overnight accommodations on state-managed lands will remain closed until further notice.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) also plans to reopen their recreation lands on May 5 for day-use. [Note: as of May 13, camping remains closed. Check the link for specific regional openings & closures.]

State land managers recommend people come prepared and bring their own hand washing supplies, toilet paper, and personal protective equipment as some sites will have reduced or limited restroom facilities. People should also be prepared to change plans if their destination appears crowded or is not yet fully operational.  

If sites become overcrowded or other COVID-19 related public safety concerns develop, state agencies may close areas with limited notice to further protect public health and safety. Certain restrictions around specific activities may also apply. 

The public can find the latest information about WDFW and Parks operations at:

  

Guidelines to recreate responsibly during COVID-19 public health crisis

Before you go 

  • Check what’s open. While many state-managed land destinations are open for day-use, other local, tribal, and federal land may still be closed. 
  • Opt for day trips close to home. Overnight stays are not permitted.
  • Stay with immediate household members only. Recreation with those outside of your household creates new avenues for virus transmission.
  • Come prepared. Visitors may find reduced or limited restroom services as staff begin the process to reopen facilities at wildlife areas and water access sites.  You are advised to bring your own soap, water, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper, as well as a mask or bandana to cover your nose and mouth.
  • Enjoy the outdoors when healthy. If you have symptoms of fever, coughing, or shortness of breath, save your outdoor adventure for another day.  

When you get there 

  • Avoid crowds. Be prepared to go somewhere else or come back another time if your destination looks crowded. 
  • Practice physical distancing. Keep six feet between you and those outside your immediate household. Launch one boat at a time to give others enough space to launch safely. Leave at least one parking space between your vehicle and the vehicle next to you. Trailer your boat in the same way. 
  • Wash your hands often. Keep up on personal hygiene and bring your own water, soap, and hand sanitizer with you.  
  • Pack out what you pack in. Take any garbage with you, including disposable gloves and masks.