Oregon clammers can learn the ins and outs of bay clam populations in Tillamook and Netarts bays at two upcoming presentations by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. The purpose of the meetings is to share the results of the extensive surveys of Tillamook (2010-2012) and Netarts (2013-2014) bays bay clams – including where they are found, their abundance, and their preferred habitat. Bay clams include butter, cockle, gaper and native littleneck clams. ODFW biologists will present survey results for Netarts Bay on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at the Netarts Fire House, 1235 5th St. Loop, Netarts. The results for Tillamook Bay will be presented on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at the Oregon Dept. of Forestry Bldg., 5005 3rd St., Tillamook. Both presentations will begin at 6:30 p.m. The meeting agendas also include the introduction of new clamming maps, a discussion of shellfish management in the bays, and an opportunity for members of the public to question and interact with ODFW shellfish biologists. The surveys of Tillamook and Netarts bays clam populations were conducted by the ODFW Shellfish and Estuarine Assessment of Coastal Oregon (SEACOR), which documents populations of recreationally important bay clams along the Oregon Coast. This research is funded by recreational shellfish license dollars. For more information on the SEACOR program and its study results, visit the ODFW website.
