Sport clam season opens early at Point Whitney Tidelands, later at Point Whitney Lagoon

March 5, 2012

March 5, 2012

Sport clam season opens earlier at Point Whitney Tidelands, later at Point Whitney Lagoon

Action: The sport clam fishing season at Point Whitney Tidelands (excluding Lagoon) will open immediately. The sport clam fishing season at Point Whitney Lagoon will open on April 1, 2012.

Effective date: Point Whitney Tidelands: Immediately through March 31, 2012. Point Whitney Lagoon: April 1, 2012 through April 30, 2012.

Species affected: All clams.

Location: Point Whitney Tidelands and Point Whitney Lagoon. These adjacent beaches are located in Jefferson County on Hood Canal.

Reason for action: Surveys indicate that the clam population has declined at Point Whitney Tidelands requiring a season that is two weeks shorter in 2012. Shifting the season opener at Point Whitney Lagoon allows it to open immediately following the closure of the Tidelands, so that harvesters have continuous opportunity from March through April.

Information contact: Alex Bradbury, WDFW Point Whitney Shellfish Laboratory, (360) 586-1498, ext. 208.

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.