People driving by Penn Cove over the weekend probably assumed from the dozens of people digging in the sand that clamming season is open.

They would be wrong.

The state delayed shellfish harvesting at the popular Central Whidbey beach until June 1 in order to allow the beds more time to regenerate.

Fish and Wildlife officers issued dozens of warnings and a few citations to clamming scofflaws Friday and Saturday.

This comes after the state announced another year of tight restrictions on salmon fishing in Puget Sound, a move unpopular with those who look forward to fishing season with “baited” breath.

It’s easy to become angry or be annoyed at the state for keeping a tight leash on the state’s most popular natural resources. These restrictions, however, give shellfish and salmon time to restore to healthy levels.

Without such limits, that may never happen. Fishing may not have caused the drop in salmon numbers, but it certainly won’t help bring the numbers back.

It’s a delicate balancing act. The salmon season is developed by Fish and Wildlife in consultation with treaty tribal “co-managers,” who have special rights to the fishery. It’s a sensitive issue with some fishermen, but it’s the way it is. Everyone’s primary goal should be to ensure sustainable runs.

In recent years, unfavorable environmental conditions, such as warmer ocean water and drought, have reduced the number of salmon returning to Puget Sound.

The forecast this year is for extremely low returns of coho and wild chinook to the Skagit River.

Penn Cove, on the other hand, is one of the most popular clamming spots there is. People travel from as far away as Seattle just to clam in the area that’s normally very productive.

At least 130 people were clamming there this weekend — and the season isn’t even open. All that pressure on the shellfish beds was bound to have an effect.

There’s good reason behind restrictions on harvesting and fishing. People should know better than to run out to the beach with a bucket and shovel without checking the shellfish seasons.

Hopefully someday soon the Puget Sound will again be rife with its natural treasures.