Clamming at two area beaches will open late, in part to protect overharvesting.
The opening of the sport clam and oyster season at Oyster Reserves of North Bay on Case Inlet has been delayed to April 1. The area will be open to digging for all clams and oysters through Sept. 15.
This beach has been open year-round in the past, but recreational effort has increased significantly in recent years, said a news release from the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. The state’s clam share was overharvested in 2012, requiring a shorter season in 2013. The oyster season on this beach coincides with the clam season.
The beach is located in Mason County near the town of Victor.
Meanwhile, the agency has shortened the sport clam season at Belfair State Park. Digging for all clams will be open April 1-30.
Recreational clamming effort at the beach increased significantly in 2012 and the state’s clam share was overharvested, requiring a shorter season in 2013, said a news release. A clam survey on the newly health-certified portion of this beach will be conducted in March, and a possible season extension may follow, depending on the results of that survey. Oyster season will remain open year-round, including the newly health-certified area.
The park beach is located in Mason County on Hood Canal.
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