Harvesting Oysters (for Dummies!)

Many public clam and oyster beaches around Washington State's Puget Sound and Hood Canal are only accessible by boat, and make great sea kayaking destinations. Refer to the Washington State Fish and Wildlife Shellfish Harvesting Rules as well as the Department of Health Shellfish Safety Site.

[markwyatt]

Lived for 30 years in Puget Sound and unshucked and iced you could eat them while still alive raw up to 48 hours after harvesting in season with little risk. Agreed all shells should be returned to the oyster beds for propagation but that can be done after shucking at home days later by saving the shells in bags and dumping them on the beds on your next visit. The shells don't go bad if they dry out.

If you're jumpy about getting poisoned collect big ones then cook them; chop them up and cook by broiling, frying, baking them in soups, eggs, pasta dishes and they're still yummy. I'm dismayed that the extreme caution Washington Fish and Wildlife has promulgated has made most beaches off limits year round when shellfish harvesting has been a staple for native americans in Puget Sound for thousands of years. Has pollution really destroyed shell beds? I think not, Puget Sound has powerful currents that flush its shorelines.

[nathangutierrez]

It's not mandatory to leave shells ASAP. Maybe bring them back if you want. Sheeeeit. Mail them to me. I'll put em back for you

[kushpaladin]

you didn't show us how to find them on low tide though. will they just be attached to the rocks? or can i find them in the sand too

[abimaelochoa]

I'm glad I learned something new from this video

[alputtaugust]

I wondered why the shells were left on the shore

[countryroadstakemehome]

Ok, what are the odds of dying eating fresh off the rocks oysters? Will warmer months make it more dangerous/ deadly?

p.s that meal you made looks delicious!