Mussel Harvest on Whidbey Island

Description
Imagine a day trip to the serene Long Beach on Whidbey Island, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest. As you step onto the beach, the cool, salty breeze from the Puget Sound greets you, carrying with it the distant cries of seagulls. The beach, with its miles of unspoiled shoreline, is a haven for nature lovers and shellfish enthusiasts alike.
Your adventure begins with a leisurely stroll along the water’s edge, the rhythmic sound of the waves lapping against the shore accompanying your thoughts. The beach is dotted with driftwood, each piece a natural sculpture shaped by time and tide. As you walk, you spot a bald eagle soaring high above, its majestic silhouette a stark contrast against the clear blue sky.
But the real treasure of Long Beach lies beneath the waves. At low tide, the sea retreats to reveal a bounty of mussels clinging to the rocks. With a shellfish license in hand, you can harvest these delicious bivalves. The thrill of the hunt is matched only by the satisfaction of a successful harvest.

A trip to Long Beach on Whidbey Island isn’t just about getting mussels. It’s about immersing yourself in nature, taking a moment to slow down, and truly savoring the simple pleasures life has to offer. So why wait? The beach is calling. 🌊

Optional Clams
There are clams on the beach which we can harvest. They won't be the goal for the main group but if you're personally interested, you will be able to dig for them. Butter clams, cockles, horseclams, and native littlenecks are reported to be in this location. If you intend to do that then you will need to take responsibility for bringing equipment, knowing the regulations, risks, and everything else that goes with clamming.

Itinerary

1. 8:00AM We will meet at Green Lake Park and Ride
2. 8:15AM-10:00AM We will carpool to Whidbey Island
3. 10:00-10:45AM Eat Brunch
4. 10:45-11:00 Drive and walk to Long Point
5. 11:00-3:00 Harvest Mussels
6. 3:00-5:00 Drive back to Seattle
7. 5:00-6:00 Cook Mussel and Other Shellfish(Optional)
8. 6:00-7:00 Eat Mussels(Optional)

Regulations
We can only harvest 10lbs on mussel and everyone must have a shellfish license.
Shellfish/Seaweed Species Rules - Washington Fishing | eRegulations

Location
We will be harvesting mussel at Long Point. We will go to Twin Lagoons as backup if we don't find enough at Long Point.
Long Point and Long Point West | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

West Penn Cove and Twin Lagoons | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

Equipment Needed

1. Shellfish License. You can buy the annual shellfish license or one of the temporary combination licenses.
2. Bucket
3. Gloves(Highly recommended) and/or crowbar for prying mussels(Highly recommended)
4. Study shoes
5. Long Pants
6. Your host will bring a scale for everyone
7. Cooler
8. Clamming Equipment(Optional)
9. Cooking ingredients(Optional)

How to Harvest Mussel
Follow this link

Why it's a good time
This is a good time according to this tidal chart.
[WDFWBestClamOysterHarvestTides.pdf (wa.gov)](https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/fishing/shellfishing/WDFWBestClamOysterHarvestTides.pdf)

Also mussel and other shellfish are best gotten before the summer when bacteria levels rise and mussels use their energy to spawn.

Communication
We will be using whatsApp for questions and communication
https://bit.ly/3J7qcF3

Optional Cooking
We will host an optional cooking in Seattle after we get back. We can use my apartment lounge or if someone wants to volunteer to host us, that works as well.

Waitlist and Liability form
Filling this liability form is required to get off waitlist
https://forms.gle/siAPpBod5A5FSV7V6

Here is more info
Gather your share of shellfish as plenty of spring-time choices are blossoming on nearby beaches | by The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife | Medium