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About The Columbia press. (Astoria, Or.) 1949-current | View Entire Issue (June 25, 2021)
The Columbia Press June 25, 2021 Sediment is everything to oyster health, study says By Cindy Yingst The Columbia Press Willapa Bay and Grays Har- bor produce 25 percent of the country’s oysters, yet condi- tions in the two harbors are deteriorating, which prompt- ed a multi-year scientific study with some results just released. • The harbors are a complex ecosystem involving contribu- tions from the Pacific Ocean, redistribution of sediment within the harbors, and im- pacts from inland watersheds. • Resuspension and redis- tribution of the sediment is mainly due to wind-driven waves during strong winter wind conditions. The chang- ing sediment conditions often harm oyster farms. • Burrowing shrimp exac- erbate sediment issues. The shrimp liquify the sediment, burying oysters and other flo- ra and fauna, thereby reduc- ing biological diversity. “Shellfish farming is a crit- ical lifeline for rural Western Washington,” said Wayne Wright, the study’s principal scientist and project manag- er. “In addition to their com- mercial importance, shellfish are central to tribal cultures and contribute to recreation- al opportunities and tourism, while providing critical bene- fits to the surrounding ecosys- tem.” Improving conditions for shellfish in the region will benefit the commercial fishing industry, according to Wright. Shellfish aquaculture and related jobs are key compo- nents of the local and regional economy, and shellfish them- selves provide ecological ben- efits in an estuary — facilitat- ing water filtration, juvenile fish and crustacean habitat, and healthy benthic fauna. Wright’s company, Stan- tec, was hired to conduct the 5 in the bays to deteriorate. Scientists identified the most impacted areas, po- tential new sites for shellfish aquaculture, and determined ways to offset deterioration of the shellfish growing beds. Careful placement of artificial reefs is one of the solutions recommended. Stantec’s scientists devel- oped models, or scenarios, for oyster-growing and captured ultra-high-resolution imag- ery of the estuaries. Scientists then performed an in-depth analysis of where the most ac- tive sediment is, while identi- fying stable areas of sediment where oysters can grow safely. Excessive sediment move- ment has caused deterioration of shellfish habitat in the bays since at least 1990, according to Mike Nordin, manager of the Grays Harbor Conserva- tion District. Ocean move- ment, nearby river flows, up- stream watershed conditions and human activity all have played a part. Results of the study will help shellfish growers make the best choices, Nordin said. Cameron Karsten An oyster farm in Grays Harbor County. $460,000 Twin Harbors Sed- iment Study of the two bays through a partnership led by the Grays Harbor Conserva- tion District with participation from the National Fisheries Conservation Center, Pacific and Grays Harbor counties, the Port of Grays Harbor and local Indian tribes. The three-phased process began in 2015. The first phase included a literature review and general analysis. During the second phase, which was just completed, Stantec gained a better understanding of what’s causing conditions Taken by member Jeanette M. You love where you live. Shouldn’t you feel the same way about where ? you bank We live, work, and play where you do. That’s why you can count on us for friendly, local service no matter where your financial journey takes you. Fibrefamily A DIVISION OF CREDIT UNION ILikeTLC Federally Insured By NCUA 85 W Marine Dr Astoria 2315 N Roosevelt Dr Seaside 1771 SE Ensign Ln Warrenton www.tlcfcu.org • 503.842.7523
