For immediate release: November 6, 2008 (08-178)

Contacts:
Bob Woolrich, Shellfish Program 360-236-3329
Allison Cook, Communications Office 360-236-4022

Shellfish harvest approved along King County’s urban corridor for first time

OLYMPIA ¾ A south King County area has been approved for commercial geoduck harvest for the first time since the state began classifying and monitoring shellfish areas in the 1960s.

The Department of Health approved the harvest area located just off shore, extending about two miles between Des Moines and Federal Way. The area covers approximately 138 acres.

“This is the first time we’ve approved any marine waters for shellfish harvesting along the urban corridor on the east side of Puget Sound,” said Bob Woolrich, growing area manager for the state Department of Health. “It’s another positive sign of the potential to open and restore productive areas of Puget Sound for shellfish harvesting.”

At the request of the Puyallup Tribe, the state health department analyzed marine water quality, pollution sources, and shoreline drainages. That analysis found the marine waters are safe for geoduck harvesting. Geoduck tissue was also tested for heavy metals; the tests showed no health concern. Regular water quality testing will continue as part of the state’s commercial shellfish monitoring program.

The geoduck harvest is in subtidal waters. The adjacent shoreline area exposed by tides, which includes Saltwater State Park, remains closed to shellfish harvesting due to water quality concerns in McSorlie Creek and localized stormwater impacts. Shellfish harvesting remains closed immediately north and south of this area.

“The Tribe, the state, and Redondo Utility District have worked hard for the last nine years to accomplish this upgrade. Both the Tribe and the state will benefit from an increase in commercial biomass of geoducks,” said David Winfrey, shellfish biologist for the Puyallup Tribe. “The people of the state and Puget Sound itself will directly benefit from a cleaner marine environment required by the high water quality standards needed for commercial shellfish harvest.”

The only way to be safe when digging shellfish is to check the Department of Health’s recreational shellfish maps (www.doh.wa.gov/shellfishsafety.htm), call the state biotoxin hotline (800-562-5632), or contact your local health agency (www.doh.wa.gov/LHJMap/LHJMap.htm).

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