A bright orange starfish clings to the side of a rock at Lone Ranch Beach on the southern Oregon Coast. Photo credit: Rose Muenker
This morning had a negative low tide, which for lay people means it’s the best time for shell fishing and gazing into tidal pools. We plan to get shell fishing licenses to gather bountiful meals of mussels and clams, so we set out early today under a cloudless blue sky to scout out potential shell fishing locations.
Low tide at Lone Ranch Beach, Oregon, exposes colorful starfish and limpets clinging to rocks. Photo credit: Rose Muenker
Today’s destination was Lone Ranch Beach. My experience with tidal pools was in the tropics. They contained miniature oceanic worlds of tiny fishes, crabs and plants. The tidal pools here offered a different beauty. To my delight, shiny orange and burgundy starfish (sea stars) and bright green sea anemones hugged the rocks. As many as a dozen large starfish lined up side by side.
Conversing with a guy who was shell fishing, we learned about the different types of clams found on the southern Oregon Coast, how to harvest mussels, and the helpful resources available on the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website. He advised us to call the ODFW shellfish safety hotline before heading out to collect mussels or clams. It’s amazing the wealth of information people eagerly share when asked a question about a subject they’re passionate about!
Mussels are abundant! Yum! With a daily limit of 72 per license holder, we can plan on many delicious meals.
Mussels cling to rocks on Lone Ranch Beach, Oregon. Photo credit: Rose Muenker
Mussels are harvested at low tide. Photo credit: Rose Muenker
