Community Corner
CA Woman Fined $88K After Kids Take Clams, Accidentally Breaking Law
Clamming is highly regulated at Pismo Beach, a lesson one Fresno woman learned the hard way, according to a report.
PISMO BEACH, CA — A Fresno woman was recently fined more than $88,000 after her children illegally and unknowingly harvested clams at Pismo Beach, according to KFSN.
Charlotte Russ took a trip to the beach with her family in late 2023 and the kids collected 72 clams, thinking they were seashells, the outlet reported. Russ received a ticket and later got a notice that she owed over $88,000, according to KFSN, which reported a judge reduced the fine to $500 after she explained the situation.
Clamming is highly regulated at Pismo Beach, according to Oceano Dunes District - Pismo. Clammers must have a valid state sport fishing license and a rigid measuring tool. Clams must be at least 4.5 inches long and clammers can only take 10 per day. Undersized clams must be reburied at least 2 inches deep.
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The fine for a clamming misdemeanor is $1,465 plus $20 per undersized clam, the district said in a 2021 Facebook post, which noted the Pismo Clam is a slow-growing species.
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