A wealth of robust mollusks on local beaches has set the table for an increase in daily limits ahead of the next round of razor clam digs in Grays Harbor County and Pacific County.

Shellfish managers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife said on Friday, April 8, that the next round of digging will take place as planned from April 16 through April 21. And because local beaches are brimming with mollusks, the daily limit is being raised to 20 from 15.

“It’s been a great season and we are excited that abundant razor clam populations will allow us to increase the daily limit as we near the end of the season,” said Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager for the Department of Fish and Wildlife, in a statement.

“Hopefully, a larger limit will help diggers enjoy a trip, even with the high price of fuel. The tentative digs in early May will mark the end of the spring season.”

Diggers are reminded that their clams must be kept in a separate container, and they must keep the first 20 clams they dig regardless of condition or size. The size of razor clams seen in surveys have been unusually large. At Long Beach the average is 4.3”; Twin Harbors, 4.7”; Copalis, 4.8”; and Mocrocks, 4.5”.

The following digs during mid- to late-morning hours and low tides will proceed after marin toxin results from the Washington Department of Health showed that razor clams are safe to eat.

Digging is allowed during low tide from 12 a.m. through 11:59 a.m. only. The Saturday, April 16, and Sunday, April 17, digs coincide with the run dates of the Long Beach Razor Clam Festival. The event is hosted by the Long Beach Merchants Association.

— Saturday, April 16, 7:03 a.m.; -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis.

— Sunday, April 17, 7:45 a.m.; -0.8 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Mocrocks.

— Monday, April 18, 8:28 a.m.; -1.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Copalis.

— Tuesday, April 19, 9:14 a.m.; -1.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Mocrocks.

— Wednesday, April 20, 10:04 a.m.; -1.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Copalis.

— Thursday, April 21, 10:59 a.m.; -0.9 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Mocrocks.

“Not all beaches are open for every dig, so diggers are encouraged to make sure their intended destination is open before heading out,” the Department of Fish and Wildlife said in a statement. “The most successful digging occurs between one and two hours before the listed time of low tide.”

The upcoming round of razor clam digs also drew some words of advice and caution.

“As in past years, WDFW is asking beachgoers to avoid disturbing nesting snowy plovers — a small bird with gray wings and a white breast — by staying out of the dunes and posted areas along the southwest Washington coast,” the Department of Fish and Wildlife said in a statement.

“Snowy plover nests are nearly invisible, and it is vital to give these birds the space they need to live and thrive during their nesting period, especially along the southern end on Twin Harbors — known as Midway Beach — and the north end of Long Beach.”

Additional tentative digs pending final approval for marine toxin testing are scheduled from Friday, April 29, through Saturday, May 7. Razor clam diggers must purchase their new 2022-23 recreational fishing or shellfishing licenses to participate. All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. Details can be found at https://wdfw.wa.gov/licenses.

Details on these and future digs can be found at wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfishing-regulations/razor-clams.

To learn more about razor clam abundance, population densities at various beaches, and how seasons are set, visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfishing-regulations/razor-clams#management.