California law enforcement caught and arrested three individuals harvesting undersized clams after legal clamming hours had ended, while a fourth suspect escaped.
Over the weekend of 3 October, a Pismo Beach Police Department officer observed a small group in possession of a large number of clams after the end of legal clamming hours. The officer approached the group, and two fled the scene. A subsequent investigation unveiled 494 Pismo clams, all but 16 of which were undersized. Pismo clams must be 4 ½ inches in length in order to be kept; undersized clams must be reburied immediately.
“Thanks to the efforts of responding personnel, all recovered clams were successfully reburied and are expected to survive,” Pismo Beach Police Department said in a social media post. “We would like to thank the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for their assistance with this investigation.”
The three subjects – the two who remained and a third who later returned to the scene – were arrested on multiple commercial fishing violations. None of the individuals had the legally required clam fork, measuring device, or valid fishing licenses.
“Pismo clams were once overharvested and their numbers severely depleted. Due to years of conservation efforts and strict regulations, their population is steadily recovering,” the Pismo Beach Police Department said. “We encourage everyone to help protect this important natural resource for future generations by familiarizing themselves with and following all applicable clamming laws and regulations.”
