OLYMPIA – State shellfish managers have proposed two days of razor clam digging in February at Copalis beach in addition to an approved a month-long opening at Long Beach that starts today.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has tentatively scheduled a dig on evening tides for Feb. 19 and 20 at Copalis, provided that marine toxin tests show the clams are safe to eat. WDFW will announce final word on the dig about a week before it is scheduled to begin.

The upcoming dig at Copalis is tentatively scheduled on the following dates, pending favorable marine toxin results:

Feb. 19, Friday, 4:33 p.m .; 0.0 feet, Copalis

Feb. 20, Saturday, 5:17 p.m .; -0.1 feet, Copalis

Last week, shellfish managers approved a month-long opening on evening tides at Long Beach beginning today through March 10.

Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager, reminds diggers at Long Beach that the best digging conditions are on low tides of one foot or lower. A tide chart for Long Beach can be found on WDFW’s webpage at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/current.html

“Diggers should always check the weather before heading to the beach and be mindful of surf conditions while digging,” Ayres said.

Razor clam digging will remain closed on Washington’s other coastal beaches until domoic acid levels drop below the threshold of 20 parts per million set by state public health officials. The natural toxin produced by certain types of marine algae can be harmful or even fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities.

WDFW is continuing to monitor toxin levels on all Washington beaches and will open other areas as soon as clams are safe to eat. Toxin test results can be found on WDFW’s domoic acid webpage at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/domoic_levels.html

Diggers should monitor WDFW’s main razor clam webpage for any potential changes to the Long Beach opening.