The Washington Shellfish Initiative is an innovative partnership among Washington state government agencies, the federal government, tribes, the shellfish industry, and non-profit organizations to promote clean water commerce, create family-wage jobs, and elevate the role that shellfish play in keeping our marine waters healthy. Launched originally in 2011 following NOAA's National Shellfish Initiative, accomplishments under the Washington Shellfish Initiative include improvements to water quality to support harvest, a new native shellfish restoration hatchery, advancements in ocean acidification monitoring, and an assessment of the state aquaculture permitting process. The second phase of the Initiative began in January 2016 and focuses on ensuring clean water for shellfish production, addressing ocean acidification impacts on shellfish, advancing vital research, improving the permitting process, restoring native Olympia oysters and pinto abalone, and educating and engaging the public on shellfish resources and protecting water quality.
Washington Shellfish Initiative
An innovative partnership to promote clean water commerce, create family-wage jobs, and elevate the role that shellfish play in keeping our marine waters healthy.
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Volunteers pass rocks along an assembly line to build a clam garden in Skagit Bay, Washington. Credit: NOAA Fisheries
