1
OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE BAY CLAM DATA SERIES REPORT 1995
1995 BAY CLAM DATA SERIES REPORT by
John A. Johnson and C:aire Wood Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Manne Region Newoort, Oregon .4.oril1996 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION
... , .......................................... .
RECREATIONAL CLAM FISHERY
. . . . ..
" .... ,.,' ..... "., ..... .
Page
1
1
COMMERCIAL CLAM HARVEST
2
SPECIAL STUDIES
. , , , .. ,
Native Oyster Enhancement
3
3
TABLES
Number
1
2
Annual Summary of Recreational Interview Data; Ganoaldi Flat, Tillamook Bay
5
Annual Summary of Recreational Interview Data; Central Bay and Buoy 10,
Tillamook Bay
, ... , . , , . , , , . , , , . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6
,';nnual Summary of Recreational Interview Data: Happy Camp, Netarts Bay
7
.. , ..... .
4
::',nnual Summary of Recreational Interview Data; LOOKout Sand Spit, Netarts Bay
8
5
,';nnual Summary of Recreational Interview Data; Bridge Bed, Yaquina Bay
9
6
,';nnual Summary of Recreanonallntervlew Data; Umpqua Triangle, Alsea Bay
Seawall & North Shore, N ForK Siuslaw. and Smith River Bridge ., ........ , ..... .
10
7
":"nnual Summary of Recreational Interview Data: Charleston Triangle, Coos Bay
11
8
Annual Summary of Recreational Interview Data; Charleston Flat, Coos Bay
12
9
,';nnual Summary of Recreational Interview Data; Pigeon Point, Coos Bay
10
Peak Counts of Clam Diggers
14
11
Annual Summarv of Recreational Interview Data: All Estuaries Combined
15
12
::)regon Commercial Clam riarvest in POUnds: 1970-1995
16
13
13
Summary of Pounds of Bay C:ams Reported Commercially Harvested in Oregon
:y Species: 1970-1995
14
.......... .
' , . , .... , , , . . . . . . . . . . . , .................... .
Summary of Pounds of Bay Clams Reported Commercially Harvested in Major
Gregon Estuaries: 1970-1995
, .. , ...... , .......................... .
17
18
1995 BAY CLAM DATA SERIES REPORT
INTRODUCTION
This report summarizes the results of our bay clam studies in 1995. Activities sum­
marized include recreational and commercial clam fisheries. The tables and figures
included give an historical overview of clam harvesting activities and are presented
in a manner to allow future analysis to show trends of changes in stock status and
fishing activities.
RECREATIONAL CLAM FISHERY
Recreational clam digger interviews were conducted annually on each of the major
clam harvesting tideflats of the Tillamook, Netarts, Nestucca, Yaquina, Alsea,
Siuslaw, and Coos estuaries. Also. the lower Umpqua triangle was added for 1991.
Recreational clam digger interviews for 1992 were totally eliminated due to bud­
getary restraints for the first time since 1976. We decided to initiate a volunteer
recreational clam use survey for selected estuaries in 1993. Volunteers conducted
4,710 interviews in 1995 during selected low tides from April through JIJly at key
locations in Netarts. Tillamook. Yaquina, Alsea and Siuslaw bays. Volunteers exam­
ined 87,712 clams and gathered valuable data concerning catch per effort, species
composition, digger origin. and peak use. Prior to the recent volunteer program, staff
effort averaged about 1,200 interviews each year at a relatively high cost of staff
time and money, compared to the volunteer program. We hope to expand this vol­
unteer program to cover other estuaries for 1996. These data are presented in
Tables 1-9, and Table 10 shows peaK counts of clam diggers taken at low tide for
each of the surveyed tideflats.
In 1995, volunteers interviewed 4,710 clam diggers that expended 4,571 hours to
harvest 87.712 clams (Table 11). Clam diggers averaged 18.6 clams per trip and
19.2 clams per hour. Digging success was less than in 1994, when 19.5 clams per
trip and 22.7 clams per hour were taken. The Commission approved a reduction in
bag limit in 1977 from 36 to 20 as overharvest was a real concern. Diggers have
averaged from 14.7 to 19.6 clams per trip since that time.
Oregon clam diggers normally travel some distance to harvest clams. In 1995, 36%
of the diggers were local county residents. 53.1 % were from Oregon but living out­
side the county of harvest, and 10.9% were out-of-state residents (Table 11).
As usual. the cockle clam was the most frequently observed species in the recrea­
tional fishery, representing 62% of the 1995 harvest (Table 11). Gaper, littleneck,
sottshell, and butter clams comprised 6.3%. 14.7%, 1%, and 16% of the bag,
respectively.
No major changes in digging effort were evident for 1995. The peak count at
Garibaldi Flat was an estimated 450 peoDle, making it the most popular bay clam
flat in Oregon. Effort in Netarts Bay at HaDpy Camp continued to decline. Peak
count summary for 1995 is summarized in Table 10.
COMMERCIAL CLAM HARVEST
We issued 132 permits to commercial fishermen to harvest bay clams in 1995
(Table 12). Twenty four fishermen reported landings of 126.967 Ibs of clams. In
1994, 32 fishermen reported lanaings of 180,934 Ibs. Cockle clams represented the
bulk of the commercial catch in 1995 at 97,324 Ibs (76.7%) (Table 13). Tillamook
Bay was the major producer of bay clams
In
Oregon with 103.702 Ibs (81.7%), The
Nehalem. Yaquina, and Netarts estuaries followed in order producing 9,143, 5,593.
and 4.612 Ibs of clams in 1995. respectively (Table 14).
2
Commercial harvest of cockle clams in Tillamook Bay decreased from 149,494 Ibs in
1994 to 103,702 Ibs in 1995. Native littleneck commercial harvest in Nehalem Bay
continued to have a dramatic decrease from 31 ,9661bs in 1993, and 5,533 Ibs in
1994 to 9,143 Ibs in 1995. As a result. we will pay particular attention to commercial
harvest in these two bays in the future.
SPECIAL STUDIES
Native Oyster Enhancement
Netarts Bay
We initiated a project to re-establish the native oyster into Netarts Bay in 1993. We
spawned 300 Yaquina Bay native oysters at Whiskey Creek Oyster Hatchery in
Netarts Bay. We set seeo on culch, and 6 million Juvenile oysters were planted in
July of 1993. A field investigation in August of that year showed quarter-sized juve­
niles. The natives continued to survive well in 1994 and 1995.
Alsea Bay
We planted YaqUina Bay native oysters in five locations in Alsea Bay the summers
of 1994 and 1995. However. survival has been poor. We continue to plant the bay in
various locations and hODe for success.
Yaquina Bay
ODFW and the U.S. Corps of Engineers collaborated on a native oyster habitat
enhancement project in 1995. The dredge "Yaquina" was used to haul two ship
10aos of shell and rock from the lower bay to former native oyster beds in the upper
bay. This structure will provide need eo spawning habitat for future population
expansion.
3
Tnblc 1. Annual Summary of Recreational Intervie\v Data; Garibaldi Flat, Tillatnook Bay No. Diggers Sampled
No. Clams Sampled
No. Digger Ilours
Ilours per Trip
Clams per Trip
l 'lams per 110111'
1979
597
IU04
715
1980
456
8,728
5--1<)
1981
359
6,558
443
1982
219
--1,249
220
1983
132
2,471
158
198--1
200
3.729
2·l3
1985
107
:2,128
I·B
1.2
1.2
19.1
15.9
1.2
18.3
14.0
1.3
19.4
1--1.6
1.2
18.7
15.6
1.2
lID
15.--1
19.9
1,\9
18.6
15.5
l
l
_
.......
1
.---
30,,2
22,,\
'l7.()
JX ~ j
31.7 j
3U.II
i
21Ui j
State
6--1,7
72.6
03.5
57.1
4.1
--16.9 j
67.5 j
I~~J
2.5!
66.--1 j
5.6 j
Butter
Cockle
Gaper
l.iulcllcck
U.S
64.0
9,6
I ')- 7
21:)7
46.5
7, I
17 .7
--12.8
24.2
5,7
)
-7-)
Softshell
45.8 1
27.4 i
6.0
)0
-. 8:i
39.7 I
27.4!
--1,5 j
")81:
- ,. i
- 1
- j
!
1
17 q
71:).0
.1.4
i 2L'i
l
1_
.
'
..
, .
..
.
Species Compo (%)
1988
421
8,067
--152
1989
476
9,150
631
1
1
67,9 j
1
35.2 i
57.0 j
!2J~J
[
21,() i
69.1 j
<)9!
~-'
38.8
28.5
0.7
,')
.,-, I
11)90
450
8,665
568
1991
272
--1,879
35--1
1.3
19.3
15,3
1.3
17.9
13.8
1992
-
1993
2,031
39,816
1,469
1994
3,028
59,573
2,168
1995
2,443
50,363
1.853
0.7
19.7
275
0,8
20.6
27,2
21:), I
67.1
4.8
27.8
62.1
10,1
16.9
55,--1
1.0
'6
')
- ,-
19.1
55.--1
0.2
,.
-), 0
0.5
(),2
3.3
10.9
0,2
5.2
],90
---..,--.­
l
LOf,;aJ
Non-Slale
1987
277
5.491
312
1.3
-,-------..
Digger Origin (%)
1986
290
5,598
311
j95!
43.2!
1.8 j
329 I
51.0
1.0 1
i
·11.l!
--18.7
I ).'
. I;i
I ),
• I !i
- :
- :
1.3
3·1.0
35,6
0,9
·15.0
32.0
1.1
8 .0
11)}
(:
-
)I
_.
1
I
17l! 1 30.1 i
79.1:) j 60,] j
2.7 9.~1
I
.
·190 i
35,9 i
L5 ~
1,- ....,!
i
17.8
18,5
30,0
56.9
7.1
J.3
27.9
--15.8
1.8
'l'
tJ_.·1
-")'.... ­ 1
j
Clams per Trip
Butter
Cockle
Gaper
Littleneck
Softsbell
Clams per Hour
Buller
Cockle
Gaper
Littleneck
Softsbell
2,5
11.9
1.8
2.4
5.5
8,1)
1.4
3.4
7,8
4.-:1
1.4
5.0
8.9
5,3
\.2
4.0
7.4
5, I
0.9
5.3
7,2
5.3
0.1
6,0
7,9
8.6
0.4
3.1
6,3
9.9
0.2
2.9
8,2
9,7
0,2
1.6
6.5
6,8
0.2
5,7
8,g
6.2
0,2
4.1
9.--1
6.9
0,)
2.6
31
3.3
0,2
11.2
5,5
9,0
0.4
4,7
2,5
7,)
12.4
0.5
6,6
11,--10
0,04
5.20
0.05
!
2.1
9,9
1.5
2,0
--1.0
7.4
l.l
2,8
6.3
3,6
0.9
4.0
6,7
4.0
0.9
3.0
6.2
4,3
0,7
4.4
6J)
4.4
0.1
4.9
),1}
5,1}
6,5
0.3
2.3
9,2
0.2
2.7
7,)
8,6
0.2
1.4
61
6.--1
0.2
5,3
6.6
4.6
0.2
3.1
7.51
5.5 i
0.2 [
2.0
-
5
I
~
2,6
0.2
8.6
4,6
5.2
15.2
0.3
7.2
0.2
15.1
0.1
5.2
0.1
Table 2. Annual Summary of Recreational Interview Data; Tillamook Bay ::>Io. Di!!gers samrcled
\"0. Clams Samp ed
)To. Di!!ger Hours
Hours per Trip
Clams per Tnp
Clams per Hour
Di~ger
;
Central Bav
1994
1993
1995
..1.02 ;
343 :
209
6.420 ; 7.965
4,116
375 :
511
242
1.2
1.1 !
1.1 i
18.7 . 19.8 i
19.7
15.6 !
17.0
17.1
Origin (%)
~ocal
State
\"on-State
Species Compo (%)
Butter
Cockle
Gaper
Littleneck
Softshell
Clams per Trip
Butter
Cockle
Gaper
Littleneck
Softshell
Clams per Hour Butter
Cockle
Gaper
Littleneck
SoftsheH
51.3
45.2 :
3.5
~
16.2
79.0
3.8
-
O.~ •
:':.8 ;
~3.5
i
0.6
0.2
-
57.1
41.3
1.6
27.8 :
41.1
53.3
5.7
" "
3.0
14.8
lA
:
-
69.3
28.7
1.9
: . .:J
.
­
.0
56.2
0.8
1)7.4 :
1.5 •
LO
Buov 10
1994
1993
1995
63 :
­
-i
1,174 i
:i
64 i
­
1.0:
~
18.6 i
­
- t
-.
18.3 !
­
-;
­
­
5.5
' 3.4
10.5
1).3
1.1
0.7
­
..1."
. .:J
: 0.5
0.2
0.5
­
6
8.1
-
-
­
­
:I
-
80.5
18.7
0.8
-
-
-
­
­
-
-
15.0
3.5
0.1
-
-
-
-
­
-
-
-
7.0 9.1
1.0
14.8
3.4
0.1
-
­
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
­
-
Table 3. Annual SUnll11ary of Recreational Interview Data; Happy Caillp, Netarts Bay No. Digg~rs Salllpl~d
No. Clams Sampled
No. Digg~r 1I0llls
I lours perl np
Clams per Trip
Clams per I lour
1979
111
1.823
104
1980
106
1,193
68
11)81
71
991
67
1982
168
1,020
151
1983
280
1,994
290
198·'
84
1.009
84
1985
99
1,0 to
12...
1986 ~
60
579
92
0.9
0.6
12.2
II).1
0.9
12.9
14.8
0.9
12.7
13.8
12.0
13.4
1.0
10.7
10.3
1.0
120
12.0
1.3
10.2
8.1
1.5
9.7
6.3
28.·1
59. 1)
11.7
17.9
73.6
8.5
·((U
·IlL~
!2 i
~,-) i)
5(1.ll
I). I
-1 .... 0
72.9
l2.3
5.1.5
66.7
7.7
·1.6
613
6.0
14.1
1.7
11
)1
III
5.0
0/
10
1987
103
709
205
1988
108
1,068
209
1989
91
870
182
(1)90
61
398
92
1991
27
390
48
1.5
6.4
4.3
1991
1993
23
255
24
199...
13
251
17
1995
146
1.... 93
224
1.5
14 ....
8.1
1.0
11.1
10.6
1.3
19.3
1.... 8
1.5
10.2
6.7
·13.5 ;
J()O.O
20.5
69.2
10.3
2.0
1.9
2.0
0.9
1)1)
9.6
3.5
5.1
.... 8
10.7
87.·1
1.9
I (J.7
65.7
17.6
2:U
I (,I
()).9
51.6
55()
37.0
8.8
32.3
7..1
I S 'I
20 II
1(1.1
IL8
5.2 ()
82.0
) I
J.,
08.8
7.0
u;
n.5
1.3
SIA
2.5
10.5
·u
31.8
5.1
13.3
53.0
10.-1
36.6
2.1
0.3
6.8
0.7
1.6
0.1
6.9
0.9
1.0
7.0
0.1
1.5
5.2·16
0.2
0.7
9.1
0.5
1.5
10.2
2.0
7.1
1.1
0.8
0.1
3.5
0.4
0.6
0.1
3.5
0.1
8.7
7.8
1.5
Digger Origin (%)
LOl:al
State
Non-Slale
Species Compo (%)
Buller
Cod-,k
Gaper
Littleneck
1)0.3
II. I
1>2.5
82.7
0.2
2.0
3.4
1.0
0.7
0.1
11.3
1.8
J I. 7
U
1.0
89.5
93.6
I <J
LI
8-1.6
2.9
21
SA
73.1
8.3
OA
0.5
Ill. 8
0.1
0.1
·0.1
10.5
0.1
0.4
OA
·0.1
9.5
0.2
0.8
0.1
8.1
05
1.1
0.1
5.0
0.6
0.7
' 0.1
12.7
0.1
0.1
.0 I
10.2
0.1
0.4
0.5
10.8
0.4
0.3
··0.1
7.6
0.2
0.5
0.1
5.3
0.3
0.6
til
2.5
0.3
0.1
94.3
0.6
0.1
98.5
0.8
0.·1
9.2
56.5 ;
()2
0.8
90.6
1.3
Softshell
Clams per Trip
Butter
Cockle
Gaper
Littleneck
II.; l
0.1
0.2
1.1
1.0
. 0.1
17.7
0.4
10.6
0.4
0.6
O. I
11.3
0.0
0.1
9.3
0.2
Softshell
Clams per Hour
Butter
Cockle
Gaper
Littleneck
12.5
0.3
2.0
12.3
0.5
Softshell
7
0.2
3.5
0.4
4.3
0.9
2.6
0.4
0.5
1.4
5A
0.4
0.1
6.0
0.2
Tahle 4. Annual Summary of Recreational Interview Data; Cape Lookout Sand Spit, Netarts Bay No. Diggers Sampled
No. Clams
No. Digger I lOllI's
Hours per Trip
Clams per Trip
Clams per 110111'
1985
52
1,0·10
85
1986
42
819
91
1987
71
1,.109
151
1988
147
2,765
237
1989
100
1,713
196
1990
117
1,314
232
1991
35
387
43
1.5
18.4
12.4
L2
19.2
15.8
1.6
20.0
12.2
2.2
19.5
9.0
2.1
19.8
9.4
1.6
18.8
11.7
2.0
17.1
8.8
2.0
19.8
10.0
J.2
I 1.1
9.1
12.1
·1·l.h
IX I I ; /
) I X:
; It)
.'(, X
IXI
·1111
1I.il
81.3
7.5
518
3.6
53.4
8.5
.1.L2: ·\0.5
1.9: 28.6
.......
620
11.3
67.3
14.3
·no
64.1
4.3
81)
1982
56
1,029
83
1.4
17.0
12.1
1.9
17.5
9.3
II)
76.2
6.3
1980
63
1,074
2.1
18.4
8.8
1984
71
1,362
87
1981
80
1,397
150
1979
85
1,560
178
1983
118
2,174
197
)10)
61.2
:U
Siale
Non-State
Species Compo
!Juller
Cockle
Gaper
52.1
4.1
13.0
!
(':'0)
1.illlclIl:Ch
5.5
1.9
7.7
O.J
11.0
11.0
lu.O
'.0
IO.IJ
·1.1
18.2
74.4
16.0
3.8
93.3
4.8
76.7
13.3
19
84.9
12.1
2.6
80.4
5,9
2.6
78,0
9,0
0.1
1.8
82. I
0.2
89.5
34
01
83. I
3,1
09
88.9
3.0
67.7
5.7
77
Softshell
Clams per Trip
Butter
Cockle
Gaper
Littleneck
Softshell
Clams per Hour
Bulter
Cockle
Gaper
Littleneck
Softshell
1993
244
4,649
316
1994
253
3,658
3.t.t
1995
735
12,385
1,089
1.3
19.1
14.7
1.4
14.5
10.6
1.5
16.9
IU
11.(1
52.0
40.0
8.0
J<li
58.0
5.2
.lSI)
57.'
34.3
l
Digger Origin (%)
Local
1992
1.0
13.6
2.9
0.7
0.3
15.9
0.8
1.4
13.4
2.3
0.3
0.1
15.6
2.2
0.5
2.0
14.8
2.1
15.0
1.1
1.7
0.5
<0.1
0.4
1.7
(1)
13,,)1
1).8,"--1
68.0 1 34.6 1
11.9152.51
0.6 [
0.8:
3,2l
2.3:
:
3.2
16.4
1.4
175
0.7
0.3
1.1
16.5
0.6
0.2
0.8
16.7
0.6
0.2
3.1
11.6
1.0
1.3
2.7
13.4
2A
0.1
0.6
~401---1
-!
47.01
6.9!
2.1
82.01
17.2f
0.2!
-:
i
-I
- 1
I
I
~
J.J
3.8
5.8
0.1
0.3
8AI
9.0
I
1.3/
0.41
12.0
2,5
-
1
:
-i
50.3
10.8
21.8
56.0
20.0
0.7
IA
3.7
9.4
3.4
0.1
0.2
"""!
0.5
6.5
1.4
0.3
0.2
11.3
0.6
0.7
7.2
1.2
0.2
. 0.1
10.5
1.5
0.3
1.2
8.9
0.7
0.3
1.7
12.3
1.4
<0.1
0.3
2.0
10.0
0.6
8.0
0.3
0.2
~
10
7.8
0.3
0.1
0.5
10.4
0.4
0.1
1.6
5.9
0.5
0.7
IA
6.8
1.2
0.1
0.3
( 1)
3.2
4.8
0.1
0.2
6,51
6.9j
LO!
0.3 !
8.8
1.8
2.5
6.4
2.3
0.1
0.2
Table 5. Annual Summary of Recreational Intervie\v Data; Bridge Bed, Yaquina Bay No. Diggers Sampled
No. Clams Samplcd
No. Digger Hours
Hours per Trip
Clams pCI'
Clams pCI Iiolir
1<l80 i f9SfT(iJS2Tf983 i 1984 j 1~1986
1987 i 1988 i 1989 i 1990
1991 i 1992
14') 1 342 l
149!
2021
191 i
207!
120 i
1101
\o2!
108!
91!
72 i
1 -1 3,773 1 1,6091 1,543 1 1,383 1 1,765 1 1,363
960 1 8141
834 l 1.031
818
160
354 f
154 f
274 f
265 f
304 f
153
160
155!
\09 f
159 f
106 f
1979
143
1,3\3
120
I
!.
1.I
8.6
7.7
0.8
9.2
10'>
_
.......... _ _._._.._._..• L. _ _ _ _ _ _ _!._........_
\.0
11.0
10.7
1.0
10.8
104
•
.'
l.4i
7.6 i
5.6 I
1.4 [
7.2 j
5.2 1
Digger Origin (%)
!.oea I
_ _. _ . . ! . . . -
.._............•_ _ _ _ _ _ ...l.-
.
_ _.~_
L._
i
i
•
!
1.5
1.3
I L4
8.9
1.5
8.7
(j.n
1.5
8.0
5.3
1.0
7.7
7.7
\.7
11.3
6.5
11.4
7.7
iLl
25.8
72<;
17
32.7
(II :1
2.7
18.6
7:' .; ;,
38.0
62 0
28.6
(ll.&
26.4
63.9
(l.ll
').7
·Il
·L·1
2.8
o3(J
1.8
\() I
39')
3.7
\.9
I) I
(Jill
3.8
1.6
\.'>
2'>
NOIl-Slille
I
'-1.5 [
8.5 j
:'i.&:
h~Ji
Slatc
~
i
I
&Ji
1993
319
3.612
457
1994
94
976
126
1995
70
783
83
1.4
11.3
7.9
1.3
10.4
7.7
1.2
11.2
9.4
26.3
67.1
6.6
26.6
628
10.6
68.3
2.8
98
35.0
0.7
8.8
38.0
2.1
\.3
\.0
9:U
317
0.0
Species Compo (%)
Butler
Codk:
Gaper
Littlencck
Softshell
Other *
1.7
U
1)·1.8
2.1
0.2
7.9
89.6
0.4
0.8
I:U
81.0
1.7
1.1)
7'2
85A
4.5
,
J
-'.­
12 .)
2·'
5.2
72.9
2.8
5.8
112
6.2.4
7.4
I·'·'
6)1
2.6
5.3
3.9
I) .)
hi).
I
3.6
')jJ
3.1
\3.2
2.4
2.4
Clams per Trip
Butter
Cockle
Gaper
Littleneck
Softshell
Butter
<0.1
8.2
0.2
0.1
1.7
8.9
0.2
0.2
0.8
9.2
0.5
0.3
\.0
5.6
0.2
0.2
0.4
5.8
0.3
0.5
\.0
5.3
0.6
n.)
\.6
7.4
0.3
0.4
0.6
7.3
0.5
0.1
0.8
3.2
0.3
0.3
0.8
5.7
0.3
0.2
1.4
6.8
0.4
0.2
0.2
10.3
0.3
0.3
1.1
9.6
0.1
0.9
9.1
0.2
0.1
0.1
10.7
0.1
0.1
7.3
0.\
1.1
8.6
0.2
0.8
8.9
0.2
0.7
4.1
0.2
0.1
0]
4.2
0.2
0.3
Oil
3.6
0.4
0.4
1.1
5.8
0.2
0.3
0.2
5.0
0.3
O. I
0)
2.1
0.2
0.3
0.8
5.6
0.3
0.1
0.8
3.9
0.2
0.1
n.1
7.0
0.2
0.22
0.77
6.70
0.1
0.7
6.8
0.2
0.1
0.1
9.0
.
i
Clams per Hour
Cockle
Gaper
'~O.I
<0.1
0.7
8.2
0.1
<0.1 1
n.9 t
9.8
Littleneck
i
- I
Softshell
-
i
·Himtnose 7.0%. [lillI/illata 0.2%. other 06%
l)
1-.- -
Table 6. Annual Sunlmary of Recreational InterviewData c-
No. Diggcrs Sampled 1
Clams Sampled
i
No. Diggcrllours
!
Alsea Bay
N Fork
l1mllqua Trhmglc
Seawall NShore Siuslaw
Smith River Bridge
(99TTI99fT199fT1994-TI995 -1995- r"199S- ~1995- r 1993-TI994T199s­
59 1
- i
_66 1
- j
750
349
8
_48 i
135 i
­
894 i - I
)69 1
- i
- 14,143 4,234
195
1,)66 i 5,691 i
­
81i
-i
97i
-i
774
290
16
58i
143i
­
1.4 i
-i
1.5 i
-i
1.0
0.83
2.0
1.2
1.1 ~
­
1.')2:
l
()():
:
18.1)
12.10
.~·t·l
L~.6
·12.1 ~
­
t
1I0llrs per Trip
C'lalllspcrTrip
('lams per 110111
Diggc:, Origin (%)
Loedl
State
NOli-Sial!:
Species Compo (%)
Butter
Cockle
Gaper
l,ittlencck
i
:
t
l
1-..-11! l
l )_.)
_, _
:
l
33.9
j
11.6
L
-
-
I
5.1'
1
t
.
:
47.0
25.8
27.2-
OJ)
82.4
17.4
I
f
-
_
lU
14.60
I ).2
46.41
39.8
53,4
0.0
29,<)
118
\6.7
0.0
.0
80.3
98.9
79.8
20.0
0.3
0.8
0.1
Softshell
Clams per Trip
Butler
Cockle
Gaper
n.n
I
2.6
18.6
1.7
0.1
0.2
Softshell
12.5
2.6
19.1':
87,5
37,5
52.1
11.0
lOA
53.0
32.1
15.0.
100.0
100.0
100.0
24.4
32.6
42.2
12.2
27.0
39.8
.
,
0.0
6.9
Littleneck
Softshell
Clams per Hour
Butler
Cockle
Gaper
Littleneck
13.4
2.4
3.9
27.0:
4.7
1.2
-
10 9.7
1.6
0.3
0.5
0.0
0,0 18.1
0.1
0.2
11.7 2.0 0.4
0.6
-
Table 7. Annual Summary of Recreational Interview Data; Charleston Triangle, Coos Bay No. Diggers Sampled
No. Clams Sampfcd
No. Digger Hours
Hours per Trip
Clams per Trip
Clams~llour
1983
40
771
44
1.1
19.3
17.5
1984
32
588
27
0.8
18.4
:21.0
1985
21l
410
25
1.2
20.5
16.7
1986
Iq87
58 i
91
1,193 i 1,<>47
75 1!
105
1.3 i
1.2
20.61
18.1
16.01.J5.7
Iq88
1989
50 1
q6
814 I 1,535
75 i
llS
!
J.5 1
1.2
16.3 1 16.0
10.9.1 13.4
1990
107
L742
141
1.3
16.3
12A
Digger Origm (%)
Lmal
Slale
1991
40
I (106
i 47.5
!
i
L2
1 15.2
L .12.8
1992
1993
1
1994
43
438
69
1.6
10.2
6.3
1995
:?2.5
. Non-Statl.!
Species Comp.
BIIU<.:r
('~j,)
('ockk
( .apel
Littlcll<.:ek
I'>
II
5).1
.12.9
]9
8.8
.' 7
17.5 ·11.')
5.01 "
') I.h Softshl.!l1
('lams per Trip
Butter
Cockle
Gaper
Littleneck
Softshell
Clams per flour
Butter
Cockle
Gaper
Littleneck
Softshell
Size Compo (x sizc)
Butter
Cockle
Gaper
Littleneck
Softshell
No. Clams Measured
Butter
Cockle
Gaper
Littleneck
Softshell
.U
2.11
10.6
0.8
4.5
12.7
2.8
0.9
2.7
11.6
4.2
1.9
J.4
2.4
15.2
3.3
1.1
-
2.2
0.-1
9.7
0.7
4.1
-
9.5
3.4
1.6
-
JI),6
2.8
1.4
0.1
73.3
51.2
88.6
55.2
80.2
66.3
95.2
57.6
82.5
62.6
98.2
61.3
39
45
26
18
17
218
54
159
52
185
67
41
2,\
1.9
0.1
8,6
5.7
1.1
7.0
5.4
1.4
7.4
7.0
0.8
6.3
0.1
2, I
7.4
4.9
0.9
-
1.3
4.7
3.6
1.0
-
0.3
0.4
6.2
4.3
5.9
6.0
0.7
L2
- , l.2
7.3
5.3
0.1
-
75.3
63.2
97.3
61.1
78.2
6\,2
99.1
58.9
80.7
6 \,4
103.3
62.1
85.9
59.1
98.7
64.8
80.6
60.6
113.3
63.9
85.3
55.1
107.7
66.0
IS
175
30
51
118
298
187
64
88
149
165
63
30
169
158
29
19
97
125
57
J
238
192
3
II
0.1
0.3
9.3
0.5
III
-
-
-;
- ;
0.2
5.8
0.3;
- ;
-
-_ .....................
_._
..............
__ __
.............
............
_._
..........
_-­
Table 8. Annual Summary of Recreational Interview Data; Charleston Flat, Coos Bay
No. Diggers Sampled
No. Clams Sampled
No. Digger HOllrs
Hours pcr Trip
Clams per Trip
_.
NOll'
..
.:...=-~
1983
60
859
125
2.1
14.3
Sial,'
:::.~_=..:..:..:.:..._"
Spccies Compo (%)
Buller
Cockle
Gapcr
Lilllcllcck
1984
1.1
16.1
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
18 i
100 i
1\3 I
97 i
61 j
65
34 I i 1,980! 2,145 i 1,523 i 974 i 887
]2 L l~j ~1J!2 j _ 126!
103 j
IIJ
\.8
1.8
\.6
\.8
1.7
1.7
18.9
19.8
19.0
15.7
16.0
13.6
·10.7
51.1)
]8.9
28.3
·18.7
7.·1
__ ...-=:_.:..:.
·It.!
_
.".11
16.7
~
·W
_._
20.6
66.0
II-I
__
: : . . . : . : • ...::.
1991
65
938
IIQ
1.7
14A
1992
1993
1994
90
925
113
1.26
10.30
14.8
68C)
16·\
.::.::..
:;::;.
2.0
l.h
,16.6
38.8
10.6
·U
84.7
7.0
. ms per
Butter
0.3
6.7
5.6
1.5
Cockle
Gapcr
LiulcJlc;;k
Softshcll
Clams per Hour
Butter
Cockle
Gaper
l-illlcllc;;k
Softshell
.
0.3 j
0.1
0.7
0.7
3.2
9.2
7.7
9.2 i
2.7
4.6
1.8
1.0 i
0.7
0.6
0.4
0.5 1
---'-_ _-'-_ _--'-_ _-4-_"--~0. LL
(l.S
2.7
1.2
9.8
1.6
2.3
8. I
0.8
0.4
0.5
8.7
0.7
0.4
0.7
5.6
0.9
1.6
1.4
4.8
0.5
0.3
0.4
69,
0.6
..
0.3
7.4
3.0
0.5
l
i
f
i
__-~i
0.9
3.1
3.7
0.9
0.4
2.9
4.3
1.3
0.1
- !
Size Compo (x size)
Butter
Cockle
Gaper
Littlelle;;k
84.0
59.9
100.6
55.0
78. I
63.2
105.9
65.0
75.0
62.2
110.1
62.2
78.9
66.9
109.1
60.5
81.3
65.6
109.0
58.4
78.3
62.3
106.9
65.8
93.7
62.6
102.4
59.3
79.3
56.2
103.1
() 1.8
72.5
67.2
107.2
50.8
I
38
13
3
\3
92
80
2
20
247
58
13
43
234
70
30
44
128
188
86
86
193
271
96
39
163
109
102
46
88
150
98
129
135
166
42
Softshell
No. Clams Measured
Butter
Cockle
Gaper
Littleneck
Softshell
12
1995
Tahle 9. Annual Summary of Recreational Interview Data; Pigeon Point, Coos Bay No. Diggers Sampled
No. Clams Sampfed
No. Digger Hours
1983
1984
III i
43
679
1,681 l
95 !t
70
Lillieneck
Softshell
Clams per lIour
Bult.:r
Cockle
Gaper
Littleneck
Size Compo (x size)
Butter
Cockle
Gaper
Littleneck
J()
190
19
1986
68
1,160
145
1987
1988
6-1 1
24
1,003 1 ·144
119 •
i
42
;1> ·1
8.0
12.7
(iapel
J ,iUIcIll:ck
SoftshdJ
Clams per Trip
Bull.:r
Cock!.:
Gaper
1985
n.5
0.6
-1.1
0.1
7.7
3.2
10 h .
W.5.
- i
5,4 j
9.1
9.6
5.2 i
3.6 i
0.4
1.9
7.5
0.2
2.9
4.1
0.1
1.31
O.Jj
4.8
0.1
9.1
3,7
3.5
0.8
3.2
2.2
·1.8
0.2
1.0
3,9
85.9
37.9
108.0
67.2
84.8
84.3
40,0
85.3
60,6
104.5
62.0
ill;
hOl
III
D.l
i) ..1
.1]9
7.6
0.9
1.7
5.2
8.3
i
-1.5
0.1
1.4
1.9
2.8
6.1
0,1
-1.1
0.5
0.9
2.8
Softshell
L-_---'''--_---'-_ _-'--_ _--.l;
No. Clams Measured
51
44
93
145
Butter
Cockle
7
4
Gaper
46
19
52
15
9
74
Littleneck
50
22
Softshell
·\5
10
:) II)
6..1
0.7
05 .
8.1
82 i
172
-;
13 ~
) II
2;
l}
I) 'i
1I
37.5
2()9
)].8
·1.9
9.2
3..1
0.5
0.3
4.&
;]1
55
-
3.1
-,)
4.9
4.3
')
,
1
-
i
- ,: __--=---1
1.7
2.7
IA
2..t
76.0
81.1
7-1.1
92.1
57.2
84.7
60.2
109.1
57,6
10&
214
113
291
20
29
42
234
86
102
128
119
--~;­
186 :
1994
1995
18 ,
163 l
24 i
17 7
5.2
1.6
3.5
1993
~.
2.8
I
-
·10 :)
1991
1992
4-1 !
700 l
78 i
3.6
0.4
0.3
4.6
47
8·1.0! 87.2 I 81.0.
- i
- i
107.9
102.6
109.5
63.3 i 54.6 i 58.6
l
1989
1990
59 !
37
927 1 ·185
105 i
67
•
2.5
0..1
0.2
3.6
- - - _..
_._--
- - - _ .....................
_.-
........
_
...... _.. _..
_.­
Table 10. Peak Counts of Clam Diggers*
Tideflat
Garibaldi Flat
Estuary
Tillamook
Nclal"ls
i I lapp), ('amp
Yllqllinll
i
Alsc ..
! North BaliK
Bridge Ikd
1980 i 1981 i 1982 i 1983 i 1984 i 1985 i 1986 i 1987
460 i 516 i 487 i 350 i 118 i 380 i 400
300
I
IllO
i
425
H.1
i
225
!
500 1 ·17H
625
!
275
200
H·I
!
1'>1
1117
!
31~
!
20.1
1988 i 1989
257 i 547
1990
585
2u5
Ilh
ltd
126
225
110
135
15!!
1991
127
176
1992
1993
482
1994
500
150
30
55
01
21
Ho
32
Seawall
Illllllllua
'N
l SlIlilh I\ivcr Ilridge
) ,
--'
Triangle
Coos Day
i Charlestoll Triallgle
Charleston Flat
Pigeon Point
* NUII/ber
O/e/t/III
1995 450 31
J1
24
64
62
30
50
diggers acillully OIllidej/al al lillie a/coulll.
41
26
42
Jl)
('011111 Ot'CIlITL't/ al
l-t
H7
66
97
27
67
or
/lUll/,
82
103
52
loll' litk'.
5l)
54
51
66
84
74
J6
65
44
44
34
7
Table 11. Annual Sumluary of Recreational Interview Data; All Estuaries COlllbined No. Diggers Sampled i
No. Clams Sampled I
No. Digger Hours
Hours per Trip
i
Clams per Trip
l
Clams per Hour
J
!
n ! ...... """ ..... _
A_:"",:~
..
1979
1980 L II)~Li 1982
1,603 i 1,284 i 1,276 i
870
24,697 i 21,601 i 19,610 ] 12,928
1,986l 1,718! 1,6061 1,104
l.2i
1.31
1.3]
1.3
15.4 l
16.8 l
15.4 l
14.9
_!~il_12.6L __ glL!!:I
198-t
1985
1986 i~11)87 1 1988 ! 1989 i 1990
1,800 i
898 i 1,392 i 1,508 i 1,324 i 1,549
1,363
33,916 l 14,614 i 24,691 1 25,313 i 21,986 ] 26,708 22,847
2,589! 1,303 [ 1,1281 2,154! 1,876! 2,259
2,019
1.4]
1.5]
1.5i
1.41
1.41
1.5
1.5
18.8 l
16.3 j
17.7 i
16.8 i
16.6 l
17.2
16.8
J1·!-L_.!!·Ll_l!·6 i_I!:LL.l!2_i_I~. 11.3
1983
1,506
22,189
2,113
1.4
14.7
10.5
'"-"'~.I"&I'·
1992
1993
3,137
58,061
2,859
0,91
18.50
20.30
1994
4,090
79,975
3,525
0.86
19.60
22.70
1995
4,71L
87,711
4,571
0.9/
18.6(
19.2(
38.7
54.3
7.0
30.3
64.2
5.5
36.(
53.1
10. 1.
£0/_ \
42.7
51.7 17
"''''I"'''''''''''''']'
1991
I, \3 I
19,059
1,662
1.5
16.9
115
, '
37.8
51.7
X6
36.9 56.7
(,·1
I U
I:U
Ih)
11)·1
22.7
I ILl
20.h
n.l
23.6
5.0
28.7
40.7
20.8
6.7
17.1
-t 1.7
37.7
20.0
14.1
9.3
26.8
19.8
11.9
10.9
30.1
23.6
8.7
12...1
28.9
24.2
18.5
18.1
45.7
7.8
16.9
2.9
15.('
51.2
4.3
20.1
7.8
2.7
6.3
.13
2.3
3.0
2.6
7.0
4.0
0.9
2.1
1.5
3...1
4.6
3.4
2.0
3.6
3.8
5.1
4.0
1.5
2.1
1.7
4.8
4.0 3. I 3.0 4.9
8.5
1.4
3.1
0.5
3.1
10.2
0.8
3.9
\.5
3.e
11.6
1.1
2.7
0.1
1.5
4.7
2.4
0.8
2.0
1.8
4.9
2.8
0.6
1.5
1.9
4.4
2.3
I. 7
I. I
2.3
3.2
2.3
1.4
2.5
2.6
3.4
2.7
1.0
1.4
1.2
3.3
2.7
2.1
2.1
5.4
9.3
1.6
3.4
0.6
3.5
11.8
1.0
4.6
1.8
3.1
11.(;
I.:'
2.8
O. I
78.9
69.2 1 78. I 1 75.1 1 71.0 r
76.5 r 79.8
63. I
60.2 i
55.3!
63.2 i
60.8 j
62.0 j
64.2 i
63.3
93,0
98.0! 104.3! 101.4! 103.6! 104.2! 108.0! 111.6
47.0
39.8 1 44.2 1 40.2 j
41.4 j
50.1 1 66.5 j 47.7
89.5
86.4 rj
88.2 :j
81.8 Ij
87.7!I
86.0 jI
88.4!i 91.0
8,643 j 6,661 i 5,372 I 4,044 i 6,774 j 5,152! 7,438 i 6,997
83.0
61.9
107.9
53.2
92.7
6,403
83.9
63.9
110.3
52.0
87.9
5,990
78.5
63.5
110.4
51.8
87.5
6,853
VI 31.3
61.7
5.9
..::..=
, .• =.
41.1
45.6
1.11
•
') I)
.
12.5
Clams per Trip
Butter
Cockle
Gaper
Littleneck
Softshell
Clams per Hour
Bulter
Cockle
Gaper
Littleneck
Softshell
Size Comp, (x size)
Butter
Cockle
Gaper
Littleneck
Softshell
No. Clams Measured
31.6
58.2
i
1
I.S
.
22.7
16.\
6.2
31.1
7.8
15.4
"--T- T- - j 1
1.3
8.1
3.8
1.0
1.0
2.2 I
7.4 i
3.0 1
1.3 i
2.9 j
1.0
6.5
3.1
0.3
0.8
1.6 i
5.6 l
2.2 I
0.9 !
2.2 !
I
2.4
4.5
3.8
\.5
3. I
I
1
j
i
j
I
2.4 i
4.6 i
4.7 1
1.2 i
\.9 j
I
1.4 I
4.5 1
5.1!
1.1 i
2.2 j
I
i i i ]
1.9 i
1.9 1
1.0 i
!
l
3.6 !
3.0 I
1.2 i
2.4 !
I
3.6 !
3.7 !
1.0 !
1.5 !
J
3.2 !
3.6!
0.8 i
1.6 !
I
i i i
T
1.7 1
5.1 i
:no
5.2
12...1
Ild
62.(
6.:
14./
1.(:
j- 1.5 1
4.3 i
4.9 l
1.2 1
6.9 1
I
i
3.8 1
0.8 i
4.6 1
I
1.2
]
1.0 i
3.0 i
3.4 !
0.8 !
4.8 !
1.2 i
3.5 i
2.6 !
0.5!
3.2 i
t
79.5 I
!
I
2...1
7.2
3.7
,
15 !
i
I
i
i
78.5
61.4
113.7
53.4
89.6
5,448!
8 \.6
63.0
120.0
46.3
89.0
6,781
-
1
j
!
i
j
_
-:
-~
~_._. _ __
i
-i
Table 12.. Oregon Commercial Clam Harvest in Pounds; 1970-1995
Year
: Harvest (lb)
I
;#
Diggers : # Landings ; Ave. Ib/Landing : # Pennits Issued
I
25,884
40
258
100.3
28,526
50
230
124.0
1972
61.523
37
354
174.8
0
1973
17,156
19
187
91.7
0
1974
16.315
?"
_.:l
182
39.6
0
1975
25.908
19
116
227.3
0
1976
88,054
7
97
946.8
0
1977
85,733
29
155
304.0
1978
216.926
15
218
943.2
°
1970
1971
I
I
0
I
I
0
0
I
1979
94.912
19
128
741.5
1980
80.467
36
176
442.1
1981
81.138
30
336
222.5
1982
134.105
46
538
245.3
1983
136,185
41
811
168.0
1984
120.574
30
704
171.3
1985
99,254
44
614
161.7
I
I
I
0
I
0
I
I
I
I
I
0
I
0
I
I
I
0
I
I
I
0
I
I
I
65
I
I
I
1986
82.829
-:6
664
124.7
1987
46.283
34
385
120.2
1988
44.696
:3
258
173.2
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
273.7
I
I
I
1989
221
60.482
65
121
136
111
I
1990
72.756
38
384
189.5
1991
87,842
40
473
185.7
1992
62.044
29
410
151.3
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
92
126
115
I
1993
127.730
1994
180.934
1995
126.967
38
::A
7""
.:l.J
174.3
422
428.8
393
323.1
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
16 111
113
132
Table 13. Summary of Pounds of Bay Clams Reported Commercially Harvested in Oregon by Species; 1970-1995 ~
• Littleneck ; Softshell
Year
Butter
1970
885
12257 •
1.218 :
863
10,661
0
25,884
]971
217
9,391 •
10,345 .
639
7,714
220
28,526
1972
)-
-;
7269 :
34.006
1,406
18,772
0
61,505
1973
95
5,756 :
185
9,771
1,349
0
17,156
1974
412 .
6,073 ;
0:
8,987
843
0
16,315
1975
I) •
15.024 •
4,3 11
360
0
26,550
Cockle:
6,855
Gaper
Macoma
Total
1976
816
322 •
85.831 •
455
630
0
88,054
1977
607
859
81.775
232
1,366
894
85,733
1978
1.452
1.056
52
0
216,962
0
979
0
94,912
6.717 • 207.685 •
1979
606 2299 ;
91.028 •
1980
40
2,244 :
74.459 •
4268 •
456
0
81,467
1981
2.409 :
4.580 :
68.508 •
4.892 :
749
0
81,138
!982
3,654 • 10.517
106.440 •
l3.231 •
248
0
l34,090
1983
4.035 •
1984
4,842
1985
1.646
1986
2,862 : 31,681 •
"')87
3.046
20202 •
6.368
1988
2.492
1989
3.806
:990
4.604. 45,607 .
1991
3.690 : 58282
95.091
34.444
36
0
136,185
17.912.
:;-0 -)-7"~ .:
46,874
366
0
120,567
29.412 ;
20.121 ;
46266
1,809
0
99,254
17,021
27,487
3,558
0
82,609
!
14,140
2,527
0
46,283
30,068 •
3.816 :
6.884
1.436
0
44,696
44.344 •
5.164 :
6,032
1.136
0
60,482
7,521
4.633
0
72,756
8.660 •
8.708
9.215
0
87,842
2.579 •
10.391
1992
475 • 35.800 :
8.609 •
10,980
6.180
0
62,044
1993
6.382 • 72,340 :
.1.169 •
35,913
7.312
0
127,730
1994
1.961 . 163.295 •
2.146 :
6,084
7,448
0
180,934
1995
7,852 • 97.324
106
0
126,967
12~677
9.008 •
17 Table 14. Summary of Pounds of Bay Clams Reported Commercially Harvested in Major Oregon Estuaries; 1970-1995 Year
~etarts:
"iehalem: Tillamook
Yaquma • Alsea
Siusiaw
Umpqua
25,884
10,893
o
28.526
44,642:
o
61,505
786
2,853
o
17,156
445
3,232
o
16,315
309
21,553
38
26.550
258
7.819
2.210 , 1 4 4 .
0
()
10,631
1971
589
6,168
1.598. 1,819:
0
7,459
80
9,637
914 •
57 •
70
6, 105
1973
329
I L 997
r) .
0
1974 •
882
9,309
1975
o
4,637
1976 •
o
998
'J •
')
480
1977 .
o
2.619
'J.
71.013
o
o
1978 •
o
3.111
172.047
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
1972 •
1. 191
~98 •
2.049 •
0
13
'-1.565'
Total
o
1970 •
o
o
o
o
o
o
Coos' Coquille
4,522 •
o
86,576.
o
88,054
35
12,066 •
o
85,733
o
41,804.
o
216,962
:;,432
o
16,308 •
o
94,912
9.109
o
65,935'
o
81,467
684
o
76,002.
81.138
223
25
111,427.
o
o
134,090
95,717.
o
136,185
i
0
120.567
23,030
324
99,254
o
19,557
2,078
82,609
o
10,214:
392
46,283
7,086 !
549
-14.696
1979 '
17-1
1980 •
373
5.320
1981 •
65
..l.259
1982 •
10,862
11.501
1983
~
1.856
3.144
:00 •
1984'
23.069
42.663
) :
1985'
-10.349
~4.148
:40 .
1986·
30.545
28.737
-'80
1987.
to.723
22.936
1.11-1:
250
1988 :
0
~4.450
i.153
230
1.200
28
1989 .
80
-19.650
2.790
993
600
150
6,183
36
60,482
1990 •
5.810
-17.198
1.5-13
4tO
3.432
14,363
o
72,756
1991·
6.331
50.860
1.013
530
8.322
12,501
60
87.842
1992 :
-+.597
35.935
379' -.067
1,398
6.095
5.986
87
62,044
: 993·
31.966
-:-6.103
:"4:
2,8..0
1.495
7,105
5,698
o
127,730
1994 •
5.533
1-19.494
2.413
3,441
7,-103
12,042
25
180,934
1995 .
1.143·
\ 03.702
-133 : !.
":86 •
') ;
).
-A51
~
J,.612',
t)
5.593
~
3,737 :
18 50
o
o
895
268
15
1.206
654 :
o
o
93
o
120 1
54.763
60 !
o
I
126,967