About the Shellfish Growing Areas Program

 

Growing Area Classification

Sanitary surveys are conducted in commercial and recreational growing areas to determine their suitability for shellfish harvest. The surveys include water quality monitoring and pollution source evaluations of the surrounding area. There are about 100 commercial growing areas and 250 recreational beaches currently classified.

Commercial growing areas can be classified as:

Recreational growing areas have three classifications: Approved, Advisory (similar to Restricted for commercial areas), and Closed.

Restoration Program

The goal of the Restoration Program is to reopen commercial and recreational shellfish beds that have been closed or reclassified and to prevent the closure of shellfish areas that are still open but threatened. Program staff work closely with local government, other state agencies, Tribes, and other stakeholders to identify pollution sources and correct them.

Resources