April 19-22 morning clam dig approved

Clam diggers have got a green light to proceed with a morning razor clam dig April 19-22 at several ocean beaches.

Fishery managers approved the dig — the first of the season on morning tides — after marine toxin tests showed that the clams on those beaches are safe to eat.

Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) recommends that clam enthusiasts start digging at least one hour before low tide. Clam dig times and low tides during those digs are as follows:

• April 19, 8:39 a.m., -1.9 ft: Twin Harbors.

• April 20, 9:27 a.m., -1.7 ft: Twin Harbors, Long Beach.

• April 21, 10:17 a.m., -1.2 ft: Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Copalis, Mocrocks and Kalaloch.

• April 22, 11:10 a.m., -0.5 ft: Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Copalis and Mocrocks.

An applicable 2007-08 fishing license is required to dig razor clams on any beach. Options range from an annual combination license to a three-day license specific to razor clams. See https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.g-

ov/ for more information.

“We strongly advise diggers to purchase their new license before they head to the beach,” said Ayres.

Under WDFW rules, harvesters may take no more than 15 razor clams and must keep the first 15 taken, regardless of size or condition. Each digger’s limit must be kept in a separate container.

A license is required for anyone age 15 or older. Licenses can be purchased via the Internet at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov, by telephone (1-866-246-9453) or in person at more than 600 license vendors throughout the state. A list of vendors can be found at http://wdfw.wa.gov/lic/vendors/vendors.htm.