For the second year in a row, Washington state Fish and Wildlife Department biologists Camille Speck and Doug Rogers share their secrets for successful clam harvesting.

Meet them at 12:15 p.m. on Friday, May 22, at Oak Bay County Park in Port Hadlock.

Sponsored by Jefferson County Marine Resources Committee and WSU Jefferson County Extension, this event is a way for families to learn about different types of clams, where to find them, how to harvest safely and sustainably and basic clamming rules and regulations.

Registration is free, but you must register at clamming.brownpapertickets.com.

Bring a shellfish license, bucket or net bag, boots and digging tools to the event.

WDFW Shellfish Licenses can be purchased on-line at www.fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov or one of the following retail outlets: Port Ludlow Marina, Olympic Equipment Rentals in Port Hadlock, Port Townsend Fuel Dock, Brinnon General Store, or Quimper Mercantile, Henery Hardware, or Sea Marine in Port Townsend.

Children 14 and younger do not need a license.

Betsy Carlson, a previous participant said, “I’ve lived here for 20 years and have always wanted to go clamming. Now I have my license and know how to do it right.“

The program is co-sponsored by WSU Extension, WA Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Jefferson County Marine Resources Committee with support from the US Environmental Protection Agency, Puget Sound Partnership and the Northwest Straits Initiative.

Cheryl Lowe, Jefferson County Beach Watcher Coordinator, adds, “Digging clams is a lot of fun and great for families to do together. We want people to learn how to do it the right way, to understand the direct connection between clean water and shellfish safety.”

This public event is free. A $5 donation per family will help support future marine education programs.

For more information, go to jeffersonmrc.org.