Washington Dept. of Fish and WildlifeSHELLFISH REGULATIONS
Harvest Rules for clams, oysters and other species at State Parks

NOTE: The harvest of unclassified marine invertebrates (UMI) is not allowed on State Park beaches. UMI includes moon snails, shore crabs, sea slugs (nudibranchs), starfish (sea stars), graceful crabs, sand dollars, etc.

Be sure to check the seasons for the beach where you plan to harvest.

SpeciesMin. SizeLimits and Rules
Native Littlenecks1 1/2" A maximum of 40 clams, not to exceed 10 lbs. in the shell, all species combined except Geoducks or Horse Clams
Manila Littlenecks1 1/2"
Butter Clams1 1/2"
Cockle Clams1 1/2
Eastern Softshells ClamsnoneMust be retained regardless of size or condition
Macoma Clamsnone
All other Marine Clams none
Geoduck ClamsnoneFirst 3 dug, It is unlawful to possess only the neck of a geoduck.
Horse clamsnoneFirst 7 dug
Oysters2 1/2"18, Shucked on beach, Leave shells at the same place and tide height where they where collected.
MusselsNone10 Pounds in the shell

The species below are open year round

SpeciesMin. SizeLimits and Rules
Goose BarnaclesNone10 Pounds whole or 5 pounds Barnacle stalks
Sand ShrimpNone10 dozen
SeaweedNone All State Parks are closed to harvest except Fort Flagler and Fort Worden and Fort Ebey which are open April 16 to May 15 only. 10 Pounds wet weight. Harvesting any seaweed with herring eggs attached is prohibited. Seaweed harvesting in State Parks is limited to posted park hours and special State Park rules below:

  • Bull kelp must be cut a minimum of 24" above the bulb and short stemmed kelps must be cut a minimum of 12" above the anchor point. The anchor point must be left in place at all times.
  • Only a knife or similar instrument may be used to harvest seaweed. Tearing the plant and use of tined instruments such as rakes or forks is prohibited.
  • Each harvester must use their own container. Multiple limits may not be combined in the same container.
  • Each harvester must use a scale to determine when the harvest limit has been reached. Drying or partial drying prior to weighing is prohibited.

Please check the Fishing and Shellfishing Regulations for latest information on closures or emergency updates.


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