WDFW adjusts oyster seasons on 4 beaches

December 21, 2016

Action: WDFW is offering longer sport oyster fishing seasons on three public beaches and is reducing the season at a fourth beach.

Effective Dates: Jan.1, 2017, until further notice.

Species affected: All oysters.

Locations: Fort Flagler State Park (Jefferson County), Freeland County Park (Island County), Sequim Bay State Park (Clallam County), and West Penn Cove (Island County).

Reason for action: To align oyster and clam seasons, WDFW is extending the oyster seasons on Fort Flagler State Park, Freeland County Park, and Sequim Bay State Park and shortening the season at West Penn Cove.

Other information: The following are the proposed openings and closings for the identified beaches:

Fort Flagler: Open Jan. 1 through April 15, 2017 and July 1 through Dec. 31, 2017.

Freeland County Park: Open Jan. 1 through May 15, 2017.

Sequim Bay State Park: Open Jan. 1 through June 30, 2017.

West Penn Cove: Open June 1 through Dec. 31, 2017. (This beach is closed Jan. 1 through May 31, 2017).

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.