ODFW unveils Tillamook shellfish survey findings

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will explain the preliminary findings of an extensive survey of Tillamook Bay clams at a public presentation Saturday, July 16, in Tillamook. The presentation will start at 2 p.m. at the Department of Forestry Meeting room, 5005 3rd St., Tillamook.

A team of ODFW biologists will present their research and maps showing where gaper clams, butter clams, cockles and native littleneck clams are found in the bay, their abundance and the habitat for each species. Maps displaying clam abundance and other bay clam information will be handed out. Information gathered by this project will be used by clammers, biologists and resource managers, providing a baseline for monitoring future changes in the estuary.

The estuary research project became a permanent group in 2010 after a successful pilot project in Coos Bay. The study in Tillamook Bay will be completed in fall 2011 and the group will then study the other major recreationally-important shellfish areas in Oregon. Funding for this research comes from the recreational shellfish license dollars.

After the shellfish assessment project presentation, other shellfish staff will be available for a short period to answer questions about fisheries management and regulation concerns. Parking is located at the Department of Forestry or next door at the ODFW Tillamook Office.

For more information about the meeting or the work of the shellfish assessment project please contact the ODFW MRP office, 541-867-4741 or email ODFW.seacor@state.or.us.