Changes in sport clam seasons on public tidelands

December 18, 2015

Action: Several sport clam fishing seasons will be adjusted to reflect new population assessments or bring them into alignment with Department of Health (DOH) beach closures.

Effective Dates: Jan. 1, 2016 until further notice.

Species affected: Clams

Locations and seasons:

Belfair State Park: Open year-round.

Freeland County Park: Open March 1 through May 15.

Point Whitney Lagoon: Open Jan.1 through April 30.

Point Whitney Tidelands: Open Jan. 1 through March 15.

Reason for action:

Belfair State Park: Increases in clam biomass will support a year-round season.

Point Whitney Tidelands and Point Whitney Lagoon: Increases in clam biomass will support 2.5 and 4 month seasons.

Freeland County Park: Recreational harvest and biomass surveys indicate this park can support a 2.5 month long season. The timing of this season has been coordinated with DOH and Island County Health Department.

Other information: Check the current shellfish section of the WDFW webpage at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish for details on shellfish seasons and regulations.

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. 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.