Wildlife troopers cite illegal clammers over Memorial weekend

ANCHORAGE - Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited at least 22 people for illegal clam digging on the Kenai Peninsula.

Tides were unusually low over Memorial Day Weekend and Soldotna wildlife trooper Sgt. Paul McConnell says officers were out in full force to monitor the catch.

Some clammers were cited for taking too many clams. Fines can reach $300 or more, depending on the number of clams illegally taken.

However, most citations were for people caught with undersized mollusks.

McConnell says butter clams need to be at least 2 ½ inches.

McConnell said other big negative tides will hit in June and July and troopers plan to ramp up enforcement then too.