ODFW to issue one dive bay clam permit

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will award one south coast dive bay clam permit April 22, 2011 at ODFW headquarters in Salem.

“The commercial dive bay clam fishery in Oregon is limited to 15 permits -– ten coast-wide permits and five south coast permits,” said DeAnna Erickson, license service manager for ODFW. “If the number of permits falls below 15 we hold a lottery to bring the number back up. Currently there is one south coast permit available.”

Bay clams are harvested by licensed inter-tidal commercial harvesters and also by permitted sub-tidal divers. Harvest focuses on cockles and gapers, though butter, littlenecks and softshells are also landed.

“Historical landings patterns and species targeted vary depending on market demand, environmental conditions and population abundances,” said Mitch Vance, shellfish project leader for ODFW’s Marine Resources Program. Some restrictions also exist for conservation purposes. “For instance, the season for gapers is closed from January to June when they are spawning.”

To apply for the permit lottery the applicant must be 18-years-old or older and cannot currently hold a dive bay clam permit. Only one application per individual will be accepted. Applications must be received in the Salem office or postmarked no later than April 15, 2011.

Successful applicants will be required to purchase a personal commercial license within 30 days. Individual commercial licenses cost $82 for residents and $292 for nonresidents.

To renew a permit for the next year, the holder must meet minimum landing requirements of five landings of at least 100 pounds each or an annual total of 2,500 pounds with dive gear. If there are no landings, the permit reverts to the state. For more information on applying for a permit please contact ODFW’s licensing services, 3406 Cherry Ave., NE, Salem, OR 97303 or call (503) 947-6101 or (800)720-6339 ext. 76142.