NEWPORT – Recreational clam diggers and crabbers can have all of their questions answered Saturday, June 18, at an Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Shellfish Open House at Garibaldi.

The event is from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Garibaldi tideflat parking lot near the Pier’s End crabbing dock. Shellfish biologists from ODFW’s Marine Resources Program will have live shellfish displays with common local clams and crabs and be available to answer questions.

They will also discuss the department’s shellfish and habitat assessment project in Tillamook Bay, which is in its second and final year. The project is documenting where gapers, butters, cockles and native littleneck clams are found in Tillamook Bay, how abundant they are and describes the habitat for each species.

Those who attend the open house will also:

• Learn about other shellfish research,
• Learn about shellfish monitoring programs,
• Learn about recreational shellfishing opportunities up and down the coast,
• Find out about new techniques to harvest clams and crabs,
• Get help identifying northwest clams and crabs.

For more information contact Justin Ainsworth, 541-867-0300 ext. 288 or justin.c.ainsworth@state.or.us.

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