Tag: Shellfishing

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.

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.

Puget Sound clam and mussel seasons to close on some Hood Canal beaches; many beaches remain open

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This just in from WDFW

Puget Sound clam and mussel seasons to close on some Hood Canal beaches; many beaches remain open

OLYMPIA – Washington clammers have been enjoying the opportunity to harvest shellfish on Puget Sound beaches this season, but higher participation means three Puget Sound beaches will close for clam harvest earlier than expected to help ensure gathering opportunities for years to come.

Starting Friday, Aug. 14, clam and mussel seasons will close at Hood Canal’s Belfair State Park, the Potlatch beaches and Twanoh State Park.

“It has been great to see folks getting out and enjoying Puget Sound’s wonderful intertidal shellfish harvesting opportunities,” said Camille Speck, Puget Sound intertidal bivalve manager for WDFW. 

“We are seeing record-setting participation this year as people seek to find summer fun closer to home, which has resulted in the state reaching our share of clams earlier than anticipated at these three beaches.”

“On peak low tide weekend days,” Speck adds, “shellfishing activity is as much as five times higher over 2019 at Potlatch State Park, and recreational use patterns this year are higher across all combinations of tide and day of the week at these popular beaches.”

While continued high participation may require additional management actions this year, many beaches remain open across the state.

“We want to encourage people to spread out and check out some of the less-visited beaches,” said Speck. “This will help preserve the long-term health of shellfish beaches and future years’ opportunity,” she added.

Harvesters can find up-to-date information on seasons and shellfish safety information on Washington’s Shellfish Safety Map webpage.

The Washington Shellfish Safety Map will help clam, mussel and oyster enthusiasts locate open預nd lesser-known傭eaches, close to home,” said Speck. Biotoxin closures are in effect in some areas and conditions can change quickly, so checking this website the same day you plan to harvest is a crucial step, added Speck.

Clam and oyster season and beach information is also available at WDFW clam, mussel, and oyster beach webpage.

WDFW reminds harvesters to fill their clam holes after digging, leave oyster shells on the beach, and abide by size and daily limits to help maintain a sustainable resource and avoid a ticket.

WDFW is also asking for cooperation from oyster and clam harvesters to reduce risk. Please give other beach visitors and access site staff space and abide by responsible recreation guidelines when visiting. If a park or access site is busy or at capacity, please consider having a backup plan and visiting another site.

WDFW will continue to monitor harvest levels across Puget Sound and adjust seasons as necessary. Harvesters are advised to stay up to date on clam, mussel, and oyster seasons on their favorite beaches.

Additional information can also be found on the WDFW shellfish hotline at 1-866-880-5431.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is the state agency tasked with preserving, protecting, and perpetuating fish, wildlife, and ecosystems, while providing sustainable fishing, hunting, and other recreation opportunities.