Top Ten Things You Can Do for Your Shellfish
1. Stop Pollution. This applies to a host of issues. For example, make sure your septic system works properly and gets a regular checkup; pick up and properly dispose of pet wastes; keep farm animals away from waterways; and minimize stormwater runoff from structures and hardened surfaces.
2. Heed Warning Signs. When a problem emerges, such as a home or community sewage problem, ask for help and get it fixed. On a regional scale, the Washington Department of Health annually reviews the classification and status of all commercial shellfish growing areas and identifies sites that may be closed because of declining water quality. Pay attention to all the signs and head off any problems as soon as possible.
3. Preserve Natural Systems. Nothing does more for clean water than healthy, natural watersheds. On your property, make an effort to preserve and restore native forest cover, soils, wetlands and waterways that serve as nature's safeguards for healthy shorelines.
4. Build Naturally. Consider new ways to live and build to lessen harm to the landscape. For example: build away from streams and shores, preserve natural shorelines and buffers, replant native trees on cleared or disturbed lots, and use low impact development practices and other conservation practices wherever possible.
5. Learn the Basics. Familiarize yourself with the basic principles and tools of watershed management and shellfish protection. You'll then be better positioned to participate in community planning and restoration efforts and help shape the future.
6. Go to the Beach. Set aside time, even make it a habit, to visit a local beach and reacquaint yourself with this special environment. You can harvest shellfish on many public beaches, but make sure you learn and follow the rules for safe and legal harvesting, and always start by calling the state's biotoxin hotline at 1-800-562-5632.
7. Grow Your Own. Take advantage of the opportunity to garden shellfish on your beach or to help start a community shellfish farm. Small-scale shellfish farming involves a number of important rules and guidelines, so getting good information and developing a game plan are the first steps. Your local and state health departments can provide information on shoreline water quality conditions. Contact the Washington Sea Grant Program at sgpubs@u.washington.edu for the informative booklet, Small Scale Oyster Farming for Pleasure and Profit in Washington.
8. Lend a Hand. Take advantage of opportunities to volunteer and assist with issues ranging from exotic species monitoring to watershed planning.
9. Make the Investments. Smart and targeted investments in well-designed programs and capital improvements can establish an essential framework for lasting protection of the shoreline environment.
10. Spread the Word. Help others learn about the issues by sharing good information about clean water and healthy shellfish beds with your neighbors and others in the community.
