For immediate release: April 1, 2008 (08-045)

Contacts:
Stuart Glasoe, Shellfish Program 360-236-3310
Allison Cook, Communications Office 360-236-4022

Shellfish harvest restricted in an area of Burley Lagoon

OLYMPIA ¾ Commercial shellfish harvesting has been downgraded in a portion of Burley Lagoon because of bacterial contamination.

The downgrade will change the classification of about 20 acres in the southwest corner of the bay from "approved" to "conditionally approved." The new classification will take effect April 4; it means harvesting will not be allowed in this area for five days following rainfall of one half inch or more.

Burley Lagoon is located about midway between Tacoma and Bremerton at the north end of Carr Inlet. Burley Lagoon covers roughly 350 acres; about 225 acres are classified for commercial shellfish harvest. It’s been on the Department of Health’s annual list of threatened shellfish areas for several years. The sampling station in the southwest corner of the growing area no longer meets state and federal standards for commercial harvest.

"This downgrade is disappointing," stated Steve Marek, public health manager with the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. "A lot of work on the part of numerous organizations and individuals has gone into protecting and improving water quality in Burley Lagoon. This downgrade shows that further work is needed."

State health officials have worked with several partners for years to improve conditions in Burley Lagoon, and to protect and restore shellfish harvesting there. Restoration work has been a joint effort of state health, watershed residents, state, local and tribal governments, and other organizations. The focus has been to reduce and prevent bacterial contamination that comes from failing onsite systems, farm animals, and pets.

"The water quality problems in Burley Lagoon are more evidence that Puget Sound pollution is getting worse," said David Dicks, executive director of the Puget Sound Partnership. "While local efforts have made progress, the latest downgrade shows we cannot win this fight alone. Everyone contributes to our pollution problems, so we need everyone to be part of the solution."

The only way to be safe is to "Know Before You Dig." The Department of Health recreational shellfish map (www.doh.wa.gov/shellfishsafety.htm), state shellfish program (360-236-3330), and local health agencies are excellent sources of information.

The Office of Shellfish and Water Protection (www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/sf/default.htm) has information about recreational and commercial shellfish harvest and food safety.

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