3/29/2009 9:40:00 AM Sport clam and oyster season delayed to May at Fort Flagler State Park
The opening of the sport clam and oyster fishing season at Fort Flagler State Park is delayed until May 15, effective April 1.
This delayed opening of the season avoids the period when paralytic shellfish poisoning closures are most likely, and it also avoids conflict with State Parks' seaweed harvesting season, announced the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted permanent rules at its February 2009 meeting that will extend the season through July 31.
Last year, the clam and oyster season at the park was scheduled to be open April 1 through June 15 but was closed most of this time by the Department of Health due to paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP). PSP closures have prevented harvest on Flagler beaches during much of the spring season for the last several years.
Reader Comments
Posted: Monday, March 30, 2009
Article comment by:
Alex Hepler
"avoids the period when paralytic shellfish poisoning closures are most likely"
I may be wrong, but isn't PSP brought on by warmer weather? It is still snowing in the mountains and and we are shutting down beaches?
There is a prime public beach at S. Indian Island- it has had unsafe shellfish status posted for months now- it is scheduled to open April 1st.
Our local trout lakes are sick. People buy fishing licenses and get turned away.
An in-depth story on what is going on would be appreciated.
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