In Puget Sound, 257,000 acres are managed for commercial shellfish harvest, but 13 percent of this area is closed due to water pollution caused by fecal bacteria. Pollution Identification & Correction programs, improved agricultural practices, and septic system operation and maintenance programs have resulted in the largest gains in water quality and upgraded shellfish harvest areas. Community-led efforts have increased local participation in restoration, routine water quality monitoring identifies what’s working to reduce pollution, and coordination with agricultural partners improve manure handling practices.
Rebuilding native oyster beds and important habitat The Olympia oyster is Washington's original oyster. As our only native oyster species, they help keep our estuaries healthy by providing habitat for a diverse community of organisms. The oysters grow in aggregations,...
Recovery of an iconic shellfish species to Puget Sound Abalone are large marine snails important to the food web. The pinto abalone is the only abalone species found in Washington waters. This native species has cultural and ecological significance, grazing rock...
The Lower Big Quilcene restoration project is in the design phase of developing community-supported actions to improve flood protection for the town of Quilcene, over 30 homes, and road access to the largest employer in Jefferson County—Coast...
