New shellfish beach access site opens near Shelton

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has announced the opening of a new beach access site in the shellfish rich Oakland Bay Tidelands. Oakland Bay has an abundant Manila clam population.

This new site is located about three miles northeast of Shelton off Highway 3, just north of the Bay Shore Golf Course. A tidelands sign on Highway 3 identifies the road leading to the site. A sign at the beach shows property boundaries of the site and the open tidelands. Access to the tidelands is open during daylight hours only through September 30.

Recreational clam harvesters will find good digging for Manila clams, but are reminded to be aware of the tidal fluctuations and soft mud in some areas. Harvesters are reminded to respect the rights and property of adjacent tideland owners.

For additional information shellfish harvesters should check the 2000-2001 Fishing in Washington regulation pamphlet or the shellfish beach access and regulation website. Recreational clam and oyster harvesting requires a shellfish/seaweed license. Harvesters also should check the Marine Toxin Hotline (1-800-562-5632) for red tide information and the Department's Shellfish rule change hotline at (360) 796-3215 before harvesting.