A NOVEL SOCIAL-ECOLOGICAL CLAM GARDEN SITE SELECTION PROCESS

• Main Author: Greiner, Courtney
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Western CEDAR 2022
• Subjects: Indian; Ocean acidification
• Online Access: https://cedar.wwu.edu/ssec/2022ssec/allsessions/9; https://cedar.wwu.edu/context/ssec/article/3171/viewcontent/2022SSEC_GreinerPresentation.pdf

Clam gardens are intertidal features modified by Northwest Coastal Indigenous people to enhance clam habitat for optimal shellfish production. The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community (SITC) recently initiated a clam garden project to address declining clam populations and community concerns regarding climate change and ocean acidification. This effort will integrate traditional ecological knowledge into contemporary resource management and climate adaptation strategies, encourage local food security and sovereignty, and promote sustainable seafood production. SITC’s Fisheries Department and Community Environmental Health Program have co-designed a social-ecological site selection process focused on community participation to promote the long-term success of the project. This presentation will discuss SITC’s work to revive the ancient practice into modern day use.