Starting Friday, clam and mussel seasons will close earlier than expected at three Puget Sound beaches.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced that Hood Canal’s Belfair State Park, the Potlatch beaches and Twanoh State Park will be closed but many beaches will remain open across the state.
“It has been great to see folks getting out and enjoying Puget Sound’s wonderful intertidal shellfish harvesting opportunities,” said Camille Speck, Puget Sound intertidal bivalve manager for WDFW.
WDFW said the harvesting seasons are closing early to help ensure gathering opportunities for years to come.
“We are seeing record-setting participation this year as people seek to find summer fun closer to home, which has resulted in the state reaching our share of clams earlier than anticipated at these three beaches,” Speck said.
WDFW is monitoring harvest levels and will adjust seasons as necessary. Harvesters are advised to stay up to date on clam, mussel, and oyster seasons on their favorite beaches.
For more information on shellfish harvesting seasons, click here: Shellfish Safety Map webpage.
Clam and oyster season and beach information is also available at the WDFW clam, mussel, and oyster beach webpage.
Cox Media Group
