Sport clam and oyster seasons open early at Oak Bay, South Indian Island county parks


by WA Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff
3-19-2013
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Action: The sport clam and oyster fishing seasons at Oak Bay County Park and South Indian Island County Park will open April 1, 2013.

Effective Date: Oak Bay County Park: April 1, 2013 through July 31, 2013. South Indian Island County Park: April 1, 2013 through June 15, 2013.

Species Affected: All clams and oysters.

Location: Oak Bay County Park and South Indian Island County Park. These beaches are located within sight of each other in Jefferson County near Port Townsend.

Reason for Action: Both these adjacent beaches opened in May last year. Surveys indicate that the clam population at Oak Bay has increased, in part due to enhancement by WDFW, allowing a longer season. Effort at South Indian Island increased significantly in 2012, requiring a shorter season in 2013. The earlier opening date for both beaches minimizes the chance that Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) closures will impact harvest opportunity. The oyster seasons on these beaches coincide with the clam seasons.

Information Contact: Alex Bradbury, WDFW Point Whitney Shellfish Laboratory, (360) 796-4601, ext. 208