THE SIGHT OF two friends collecting mussels from the rocks along the California coast popped into my social media feed over the weekend and put a smile on my face.
The knowledge they were primed for a delicious seafood dinner, however, left me slightly jealous.
But it did leave a thought rattling around up top: I need to get my fishing license with a crab endorsement and a shellfish/seaweed license, so I too, can enjoy some personally collected shellfish meals.
Those interested in learning more about how and what to collect on area tideflats should register for the Jefferson Marine Resources Committee’s upcoming annual Digging for Dinner event.
The clamming clinic will be held on the state Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Quilcene Bay Tidelands site off Linger Longer Road from 10:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 13.
Port Townsend-based state Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists Camille Speck and Doug Rogers will share secrets for successful clam harvesting during the event.
The pair will offer up plenty of information and tips on clams, such as where to find them, how to harvest safely, rules and regulations and even some recipes for the product of your hard-earned digging.
Mother’s Day is that Sunday, so you might be able to treat mom to some steamer clams on her big day.
A hit with the family
“Our extended family had a blast at Digging for Dinner last year,” said Beth Ely who attended the event in 2016 with her family. “The shellfish safety instruction is a must and the hands-on practice was very helpful.”
Jefferson Marine Resources Committee Coordinator Cheryl Lowe said digging clams is easy and fun, once you know how to do it.
“It’s important to know how to do it safely and sustainably, and to understand how important clean water is to safe shellfish harvesting,” Lowe said.
A $10 donation is suggested and helps support future marine education programs.
Attendees age 15 and older must have a valid shellfish license, and all should bring a bucket, boots and digging tools.
RSVP is required. For more information on the event and registration, visit jeffersonmrc.org, phone Cheryl Lowe at 360-379-5610 ext. 230 or email cheryl.lowe@wsu.edu.
The event is cosponsored by Fish and Wildlife and the Washington State University Jefferson County Extension.
A second Digging for Dinner outing is planned, this time a search for oysters at Dosewallips State Park in Brinnon on Friday, June 9.
Support for these programs is provided by the EPA thru the Puget Sound Partnership and the Northwest Straits Commission.
Razor digs
State shellfish managers announced razor clam opening on various ocean beaches including an increased daily limit of 25 clams at Long Beach.
Fish and Wildlife agreed to increase the daily limit for this dig at Long Beach, which has been closed much of the razor clam season due to elevated marine toxin levels, said Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager.
“We wanted to provide diggers with some additional opportunity at Long Beach since we know there are plenty of clams there for harvest,” Ayres said.
The increased limit of 25 clams per day applies only at Long Beach, Ayres said.
Diggers at Twin Harbors, Mocrocks and Copalis can harvest the typical limit of 15 clams per day. Diggers are required to keep the first 15 clams (or first 25 clams at Long Beach) they dig. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container.
• Today, 7:55 a.m.; -1.5 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Long Beach
• Friday, 8:42 a.m.; -1.8 feet, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Long Beach
• Saturday, 9:32 a.m.; -1.7 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Long Beach
• Sunday, 10:24 a.m.; -1.3 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis, Long Beach
• Monday, 11:20 a.m.; -0.8 feet; Long Beach
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Sports reporter/columnist Michael Carman can be contacted at 360-417-3525 or mcarman@peninsuladailynews.com.
