Puget Sound clam and oyster regulation changes

OLYMPIA -- The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has changed clam and oyster harvest regulations for several Puget Sound public beaches.

The changes, a departure from the regulations published in the 1997 "Fishing in Washington" pamphlet, provide harvest opportunities while conserving clams and oysters on the following beaches:

Clams:

• Frye Cove (Eld Inlet) is open through March 31.

• Rendsland Creek (southern Hood Canal) is open until further notice.
• Seahurst County Park (north of Des Moines) is open through April 15.
• Useless Bay State Park (also known as Double Bluff's State Park on Whidbey Island) is open until further notice.
• Wolfe Property State Park (northwest of Hood Canal bridge) is open until further notice.
• Pitship Point (on Sequim Bay) is closed for clam harvest until further notice.

Oysters:

• Wolfe Property State Park (northwest of Hood Canal bridge) is open until further notice.

The 1998 "Fishing in Washington" pamphlet will show the revised regulations. That publication is scheduled to be available at sporting goods stores and all WDFW offices on May 1.

Shellfish harvesting on Puget Sound beaches requires a Shellfish/Seaweed License.