Freeland County Park will be open to oyster sport harvesting March 1 through May 15. According to a news release from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the oyster season will coincide with the clam season at the beach along Holmes Harbor.
In the news release, the state wildlife department said recreational harvest and biomass surveys indicate Freeland County Park can support a 2.5-month season. The timing of this season has been coordinated with the Washington Department of Health and Island County Health Department.
Per fish and wildlife rules, oysters must be shucked on the beach they were found. The legal limit for each person with a license and shellfish endorsement is 18 oysters per day. Oysters must be at least 2.5 inches across the longest distance of the shell.
According to the state site on oysters, smaller oysters attach to larger ones, so removing the large ones can actually mean removing three to five times that amount.
Before consuming shellfish, check the Washington Department of Health for any possible beach closures or warnings. To see if Freeland County Park is safe, visit website www.doh.wa.gov/shellfishsafety.htm or call 360-236-3330 or 800-562-5632.
