Wolfe Property and Shine Tidelands State Parks closing to clam, mussel, and oyster harvest

May 2, 2025

Action: Closes recreational harvest of clams, mussels, and oysters at Wolfe Property State Park and Shine Tidelands State Park. 

Effective date: May 3 through Dec. 31, 2025.

Species affected:  Clams, mussels, and oysters.

Locations:  Wolfe Property State Park and Shine Property State Park beaches.

Reason for action: The purpose of this rule is to close recreational clam, mussel, and oyster harvest on the beaches of Wolfe Property State Park and Shine Tidelands State Park due to significantly higher than expected effort and harvest. Closing clam, mussel, and oyster seasons will prevent exceeding harvest targets and conservation goals while avoiding impacts to future shellfish seasons at these beaches.

Additional information: Unanticipated crowding at these beaches has resulted in higher-than-anticipated harvest effort and concurrent harvest levels. Of additional concern is the observed level of non-compliance with recreational harvest rules. The substantially increased level of harvest activity has led managers to close these beaches earlier than planned to avoid impacts to future seasons, abide by conservation goals, and comply with court-ordered co-management agreements. 

Many other beaches remain open Puget Sound-wide for clam, mussel, and oyster harvest now and throughout the 2025 year. 

Fishery managers encourage anglers to sign up for Fishing Rule Change email notifications and to check for emergency rules on the WDFW website prior to fishing. Refer to the 2024-25 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for fishing rules.

Information contact: Camille Speck, Intertidal Bivalve Manager, 360-774-8491,  Camille.speck@dfw.wa.gov

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. Visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing-hotlines to find a list of mobile, web, print, or customer service phone options for the latest rule information.

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.