Olympia, Washington – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is inviting public input on proposed adjustments to recreational shellfish harvesting rules for clams, mussels, and oysters across state-managed beaches. These changes aim to bolster conservation efforts, manage rising harvest pressures, and ensure sustainable opportunities for future generations of outdoor enthusiasts.
Camille Speck, WDFW’s Puget Sound intertidal bivalve manager, emphasized the importance of these measures. “Minimum size and daily limits help to sustain shellfish beds and keep recreational harvesting opportunities open year after year,” Speck stated. Recent seasons have experienced unusually high participation at popular beaches, sometimes necessitating closures to protect resources. The proposed modifications seek to balance harvest sharing under co-management agreements, distribute fishing pressure more evenly, and safeguard vital marine habitats.
Key proposals include alterations to season lengths at select public beaches, conducted as part of WDFW’s routine annual planning. Specifically, the minimum harvest size for cockles would increase from 1 1/2 inches to 2 1/2 inches. This adjustment accounts for the species’ growth patterns, permitting more individuals to attain reproductive maturity and contribute to population stability. Additionally, the daily limit for geoducks would decrease from three to one. Geoducks, known for their slow reproductive cycles—often spanning decades for population recovery—are especially susceptible in intertidal zones where harvesting can disrupt habitats.
“Increasing the minimum harvest size for cockles better aligns with this species’ biology, allowing more cockles to reach reproductive age and supporting long-term sustainability,” Speck explained. “Geoducks are slow to reproduce, and populations can take decades to recover after harvesting. Populations in the intertidal zone are particularly vulnerable, and harvest can have impacts on habitat.”
If approved, these rules would apply starting with the 2026 shellfish season. Detailed documents outlining the proposals are accessible for review via a downloadable PDF on WDFW’s website. Further resources, including the dedicated 2026 Clam and Oyster Season rule-making webpage, provide comprehensive information on the process.
WDFW encourages broad participation in the feedback process. A virtual public hearing is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. Interested parties can register through Zoom to attend and voice their opinions. Comments will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on the same date through multiple channels: the WDFW Public Engagement Portal online, email submissions, voicemail at 855-925-2801 (using project code 2788), or mailed correspondence to the WDFW Rules Coordinator at P.O. Box 43200, Olympia, WA 98504.
The agency underscores its commitment to inclusive engagement, welcoming input from all community members irrespective of race, color, sex, age, national origin, language proficiency, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or disability. For accommodations or alternative formats, contact WDFW at 833-885-1012, TTY 711, or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
These proposals pertain solely to state-managed public tidelands and do not affect private property shellfish harvesting. Treaty tribes maintain reserved rights to gather on most tidelands and beaches, as detailed by the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. For ongoing updates on biotoxin conditions, regulatory limits, shellfishing best practices, and a bivalve identification guide, visit WDFW’s dedicated clam, mussel, and oyster harvest webpage.
WDFW’s overarching mission remains to preserve, protect, and perpetuate Washington’s fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while fostering sustainable recreational and commercial access. By refining harvest parameters—like the cockle size increase from 1.5 to 2.5 inches and geoduck limit reduction—the department addresses contemporary challenges such as intensified effort from eager harvesters. High turnout in prior seasons highlights the popularity of these activities, prompting strategic adjustments to prevent overexploitation and maintain beach accessibility.
Shellfish managers monitor trends closely, adapting seasons to align with biological needs and community expectations. For instance, staggering openings at certain beaches could mitigate crowding, allowing more uniform resource utilization. These proactive steps exemplify WDFW’s balanced approach to conservation and recreation, ensuring that Washington’s coastal bounty endures for anglers and families alike.
For more information, visit Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.