Puget Sound federal task force: federal coordination and collaboration to protect and restore Puget Sound shellfish

• Main Authors: Bonifacino, Gina, Hoberecht, Laura
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Western CEDAR 2018
• Subjects: Fresh Water Studies; Life Sciences; Marine Biology; Natural Resources and Conservation; Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology; Ocean acidification
• Online Access: https://cedar.wwu.edu/ssec/2018ssec/allsessions/374

Shellfish have been harvested for thousands of years from Puget Sound. The region’s Tribes rely on shellfish for cultural, subsistence and commercial purposes. Shellfish have been farmed in Puget Sound for over a hundred years with the industry providing many jobs and economic benefits, especially in rural communities. Recreational shellfish harvest also provides economic benefits, as well as a strong sense of place for residents of Washington. Shellfish are a key part of our marine ecosystems, providing habitat and helping filter and cleanse water, thereby being part of the solution to restore and preserve the health of Puget Sound. There are 12 actions called out in the Shellfish section of the Action Plan including water quality protection, ocean acidification monitoring, permit streamlining, and native shellfish restoration. Summaries of these actions will be provided including progress to date.