Action: The sport clam and oyster fishing season at Purdy Spit County Park, Freeland County Park and Drayton West will open on April 1, 2015.

Effective date: Purdy Spit County Park: open April 1 through April 30, 2015. Freeland County Park: April 1 through May 15, 2015. Drayton West: April 1 through Oct. 31, 2015.

Species affected: All clams and oysters.

Location: Purdy Spit County Park is located in Pierce County near Gig Harbor. Freeland County Park is located at the southern terminus of Holmes Harbor, on Whidbey Island, Island County. Drayton West is a portion of the interior of Semiahmoo Spit, on Drayton Harbor near Blaine in Whatcom County.

Reason for action: The season for Purdy Spit County Park is being shifted to earlier in the year to avoid the time of year the area is usually impacted by Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) closures which frequently begins in June or July. Washington Department of Health (DOH) has approved Freeland County Park and Drayton West for recreational harvest and surveys indicate that the clam populations can support seasons. The oyster seasons on these beaches coincide with the clam seasons.

Information contact: Camille Speck, Port Townsend District Office, (360) 302-3030, ext. 313.

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing regulations are subject to change. Call the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules or check the WDFW webpage at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/regs/fishregs.htm for details on fishing seasons and regulations. For the Shellfish Rule Change toll free hotline call 1-866-880-5431.