SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife licensing personnel will award one commercial coast wide dive bay clam permit at 9 a.m. July 9 at ODFW headquarters in Salem. 

“The commercial dive bay clam fishery in Oregon is limited to 15 permits – 10 coastwide 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 to 15. Currently there is one coastwide 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.

“Historically landings and species targeted vary depending on market demand, environmental conditions, and population abundances,” said Jean McCrae, shellfish project leader for ODFW’s Marine Resources Program. “For instance, the season for gapers is closed form January to June when they are spawning.” 

To apply for the permit lottery you must be 18 years old or older and cannot currently hold a permit. Only one application per individual will be accepted.

Successful applicants will be required to purchase a personal commercial license within 30 days. Individual commercial licenses cost $50 for residents and $290 for non residents.

To renew a permit for the next year, the fisher 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.

The applications must be postmarked or received at ODFW Licensing Services, 3406 Cherry Avenue NE, Salem, OR 97303 no later than June 30. Applications are only available at the ODFW headquarters office, but will be mailed upon request. As of June 29, ODFW had received 22 applications.

For more information on applying for a permit please contact ODFW’s Licensing Services, 3406 Cherry Avenue NE, Salem, OR 97303 or call (503) 947-6112 or (800) 720-6339 ext. 76112.

The mission of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is to protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations. The agency consists of the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, a commission-appointed director and a statewide staff of approximately 950 permanent employees. Headquartered in Salem, ODFW has regional offices in Clackamas, Roseburg, Bend, and La Grande with ten district offices located throughout the state. For additional information, please visit www.dfw.state.or.us.