Diggers (and some fishermen) swarmed the beach in Long Beach in search of razor clams.

OLYMPIA – Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife shellfish managers confirmed razor clam digging opportunities on four coastal beaches from Oct. 15-21.

“It was a great first tide series of the season last week (Oct. 3-7) with soft wind, calm waves, and dry skies that resulted in mostly limits for those that came out,” said Bryce Blumenthal, a WDFW coastal shellfish biologist. “We are hoping this next tide series will bring similar success with lower and earlier tides that should allow for daylight digging opportunity the first few days.”

In early fall the beaches still have a lot of sand built up, which can make beach driving hazardous. WDFW asks diggers to drive carefully on the uppermost part of the hard-packed sand, avoid wet sand and not to create congestion leading on and off the beach by parking on the approaches.

The Washington Department of Health (DOH) requires test samples for marine toxins, and domoic acid levels must fall under the guideline level before a beach can open for digging. Domoic acid, a natural toxin produced by certain types of marine algae, can be harmful or fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities. Final approval usually occurs about a week or less – sometimes two to three days – before the start of each digging series. More information about domoic acid, as well as current levels at ocean beaches, can be found on the WDFW’s domoic acid webpage.

The following digs during evening (p.m.) low tides will proceed as scheduled, after marine toxin results from the DOH showed razor clams are safe to eat:

15, Tuesday, 5:31 p.m.; 0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

16, Wednesday, 6:18 p.m.; -0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

17, Thursday, 7:03 p.m.; -1.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

18, Friday, 7:49 p.m.; -1.7 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

19, Saturday, 8:35 p.m.; -1.7 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

20, Sunday, 9:24 p.m.; -1.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

21, Monday, 10:16 p.m.; -0.8 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis