OLYMPIA -- Three Puget Sound public beaches have been reopened for clam harvesting while a fourth beach is closing to the taking of oysters, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced today.

The actions were taken to provide additional harvest opportunities where sufficient clams are available and to conserve the oysters where the allowable harvest already has occurred.

The following clam beaches are open as of 12:01 a.m. tomorrow (Aug. 7) and will remain open until further notice:

- Useless Bay Tidelands State Park ( also known as Double Bluffs State Park) at the south end of Whidbey Island

- Port Townsend Ship Canal (tidelands on the eastern shore of the canal between Port Townsend Bay and Oak Bay - under bridge)

- Wolfe Property State Park (northwest of Hood Canal Bridge)

Dosewallips State Park (west shore of Hood Canal) will close to oyster harvesting at 11:59 p.m., Aug. 15.

Shellfish harvesting on Puget Sound beaches requires a Shellfish/Seaweed License which may be obtained at most sporting goods stores and at all WDFW regional offices.