Razor Clam Dig Set for Washington
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Razor Clam Dig Set for Washington
Washington razor clam diggers can count on an eight-day opener, say state shellfish managers. According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, officials approved the upcoming dig, which runs February 15 to February 22, after marine toxin tests showed the clams safe to eat. The complete schedule of proposed razor clam digs is available at the department’s website.
All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2014-15 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. Licenses, ranging from a three-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license, are available on the department’s website, and from license vendors around the state.
“Fish On” Earns Recognition for Alaska High Schooler
Jayton Rizzo, age 18, of Kenai, Alaska was recognized for his work coordinating “Fish On,” a series of performances that taught 400 elementary school children safe fishing methods and conservation tips. One of two “Distinguished Finalists” in the 2015 edition of the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards for Alaska, Jayton teamed-up with a local theater to create a performance children would find engaging and useful. Other finalists and winners include Jenevia Wika of Anchorage, Cassandra Adams of Ketchikan and Amara Sanguni of Juneau.
“These students have not only improved their communities through their exemplary volunteer service, but also set a fine example for their peers,” JoAnn Bartoletti, executive director of the National Association of Secondary School Principals, said in a written statement. “Each of their stories is proof of the impact one young person can have when they decide to make a difference.”
U.S. Boat Sales Continue to Boom
The U.S. may see a 5-percent increase in power boat sales nationwide in 2015, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).
“An improved economy with GDP projected to grow 3 percent, an improving housing market, a stronger job market, increasing consumer confidence and a multi-year low on fuel prices have bolstered people’s financial outlook, which bodes well for new boat sales,” said Thom Dammrich, NMMA president. “Should these economic indicators remain positive, we anticipate sales growth of new boats to continue over the next three years.”
In 2014, the strongest sales came from new ski/wakeboard boats, pontoon boats, aluminum fishing boats, fiberglass runabouts and personal watercraft, according to the NMMA. Sales of larger cruising boats also started to see an uptick.
Images courtesy of Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (CC BY-SA 2.0) and Wooldridge Boats.