SHELLFISHING --  Clam diggers can ring in 2011 with a three-day razor clam dig on Washington’s coastal beaches over the New Year’s holiday.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife approved the series of evening digs this week after marine toxin tests showed that the clams on all five coastal razor clam beaches are safe to eat.

All of those beaches – Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks and Kalaloch – will be open for clam digging Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, from noon to midnight. One beach, Twin Harbors, will also be open from noon to midnight on Jan. 2.

Kalaloch is within Olympic National Park.

Dan Ayres, state coastal shellfish manager, is expecting a big turnout, noting that more than 22,000 razor-clam diggers have flocked to Washington beaches during previous New Year’s Eve openers.

“Razor clam digging has become a New Year’s tradition for thousands of Washingtonians,” he said. “We’re pleased that the tides allowed us to offer another holiday dig this year.”

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