January 31, 2018
January 31, 2018
WDFW adjusts sport clam and oyster seasons
on several public beaches
Action: The sport clam and oyster seasons will be reduced at three public beaches and closed at a fourth beach, based on results from population, harvest and effort assessments.
Effective Dates: Feb. 1, 2018, until further notice.
Species affected: All clams and oysters.
Location: Duckabush, Kopachuck State Park, Joemma Beach State Park, and Port Townsend Ship Canal/Portage Beach.
Reason for action: A comprehensive review of pollution conditions and marine water quality data has prompted Department of Health to downgrade its classification of Duckabush to "conditionally open," resulting in a significant reduction in shellfish harvest opportunities. Duckabush, which used to be open year-round, will be closed for clam and oyster harvest May 1 through Oct. 31 each year.
Based on analysis of historical and projected sport effort, the season at Kopachuck State Park is being changed to April 1 through May 31 for clams and oysters. This change aligns the clam and oyster seasons but reduces oyster harvest opportunities.
At the request of Washington State Parks, Joemma Beach State Park will be closed until further notice for clam and oyster harvest in response to conservation concerns.
Based on recent analysis of native populations and projected effort and harvest, the clam and oyster season is being reduced at Port Townsend Ship Canal/Portage Beach and will close to harvest on May 31, 2018.
Other information: The following are the season openings and closings for the identified beaches:
1) Duckabush: Open through April 30, 2018.
2) Kopachuck State Park: Open April 1 through May 31, 2018.
3) Joemma Beach State Park: Closed Feb. 1, 2018, until further notice.
4) Port Townsend Ship Canal/Portage Beach: Open through May 31, 2018.
Information Contact: Camille Speck, WDFW Port Townsend Office, (360) 302-3030 ext. 313
WDFW adjusts sport clam and oyster seasons
on several public beaches
Action: The sport clam and oyster seasons will be reduced at three public beaches and closed at a fourth beach, based on results from population, harvest and effort assessments.
Effective Dates: Feb. 1, 2018, until further notice.
Species affected: All clams and oysters.
Location: Duckabush, Kopachuck State Park, Joemma Beach State Park, and Port Townsend Ship Canal/Portage Beach.
Reason for action: A comprehensive review of pollution conditions and marine water quality data has prompted Department of Health to downgrade its classification of Duckabush to "conditionally open," resulting in a significant reduction in shellfish harvest opportunities. Duckabush, which used to be open year-round, will be closed for clam and oyster harvest May 1 through Oct. 31 each year.
Based on analysis of historical and projected sport effort, the season at Kopachuck State Park is being changed to April 1 through May 31 for clams and oysters. This change aligns the clam and oyster seasons but reduces oyster harvest opportunities.
At the request of Washington State Parks, Joemma Beach State Park will be closed until further notice for clam and oyster harvest in response to conservation concerns.
Based on recent analysis of native populations and projected effort and harvest, the clam and oyster season is being reduced at Port Townsend Ship Canal/Portage Beach and will close to harvest on May 31, 2018.
Other information: The following are the season openings and closings for the identified beaches:
1) Duckabush: Open through April 30, 2018.
2) Kopachuck State Park: Open April 1 through May 31, 2018.
3) Joemma Beach State Park: Closed Feb. 1, 2018, until further notice.
4) Port Townsend Ship Canal/Portage Beach: Open through May 31, 2018.
Information Contact: Camille Speck, WDFW Port Townsend Office, (360) 302-3030 ext. 313