Changes in sport clam seasons on public tidelands

December 18, 2015

Action: Several sport clam fishing seasons will be adjusted to reflect new population assessments or bring them into alignment with Department of Health (DOH) beach closures.

Effective Dates: Jan. 1, 2016 until further notice.

Species affected: Clams

Locations and seasons:

Belfair State Park: Open year-round.

Freeland County Park: Open March 1 through May 15.

Point Whitney Lagoon: Open Jan.1 through April 30.

Point Whitney Tidelands: Open Jan. 1 through March 15.

Reason for action:

Belfair State Park: Increases in clam biomass will support a year-round season.

Point Whitney Tidelands and Point Whitney Lagoon: Increases in clam biomass will support 2.5 and 4 month seasons.

Freeland County Park: Recreational harvest and biomass surveys indicate this park can support a 2.5 month long season. The timing of this season has been coordinated with DOH and Island County Health Department.

Other information: Check the current shellfish section of the WDFW webpage at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish for details on shellfish seasons and regulations.

Information Contact: Philippa Kohn, WDFW Port Townsend Office, (360) 302-3030 ext. 302

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on definitions and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at 360-902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call toll free 866-880-5431.

Request this information in an alternative format or language at wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation, 833-885-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.