Some of Oregon's most productive shellfishing is in Coos Bay. The cove is also a recreational, fishing, boating, and shellfishing area. When exposed it is used as a picnic and shellfishing spot; access is by boat. However hunting, fishing and shellfishing were still important activities. Additionally, he has studied the effects of shellfishing on the population ecology of bivalves. The current owners are the Madison Beach Club and a private shellfishing company. Fishing, boating and shellfishing are popular here in the spring, summer and fall. In 1970 a large area around the site was closed to shellfishing.