2023 Clam and Oyster Seasons and Shellfish Restricted Areas

Rule-making status: Permanent

Rule Making Reference# P2022-16
Recreational clam and oyster seasons are adjusted based on recent clam and oyster population survey data, recreational harvest projections, and negotiations affecting intertidal Treaty and non-Treaty fisheries, along with public health considerations. Seasons will be opened or extended on some public beaches and closed or shortened on others. These amendments reflect openings and closures based on current data.

One new area will be designated as an Oyster Drill Restricted Area based on the recent discovery of the presence of harmful invasive oyster drills at this location. This designation is necessary to reduce risk of spread of oyster drills. Additionally, the department is proposing to update its European Green Crab Restricted Areas designation to reflect the current known status of this invasive species. This update will add the Washington Coast, Columbia River estuary, Strait of Juan de Fuca, San Juan Islands/North Puget Sound, and Hood Canal to the European Green Crab Restricted Area designation. These designations are necessary to reduce the risk of spread of European green crab.

Public comments

The comment period closed on February 21, 2023.

To view comments submitted for this proposal, please visit the Clam and Oyster Season 2023 public engagement page.

Public hearing

February 21, 2023 at 5:30 pm, online via Zoom webinar link
Registration for the webinar has closed.

For more information

Staff contact: Kelly.Henderson@dfw.wa.gov

Assistance for Additional Accessibility and Persons with Disabilities Contact:
Title VI/ADA Compliance Coordinator  
Phone: (360) 902-2349, TTY: 1-800-833-6388 OR 711  
Email: Title6@dfw.wa.gov