Preparing a Beach for a Geoduck Farm: Coming to a Tideland Near You

The following images show how to prepare a beach for a geoduck "farm." Revenues generated are more than adequate to help pay attorneys and scientists to help craft regulations which will allow for the expansion of this shoreline development. Unfortunately, those responsible for protecting the intertidal ecosystem either believe them or are intimidated by them. [hear Seattle Shellfish owner Jim Gibbons tell state legislators about hiring attorneys and public relations firms when considering whether to sue the state]

 

Step 1: Clear the beach of any aquatic vegetation and "pests".
[click here for previous post on what the shellfish
industry considers to be "pests"]

(photo courtesy of CISA)

 

Step 2: Be sure those "pests" don't come back.

In the case of a Moon Snail, rebar is an effective deterrent.

(photo courtesy of CISA)

Step 3: Survey the beach just to be sure nothing is missed

(e.g., Sand Dollars or Rock Crab).

(photo courtesy of CISA)

Step 4: Begin placing the "structure" scientists say
is so useful for Puget Sound's sea life. If a few become loose,
just know "Best Management Practices" tried to contain them.

(photo courtesy of CISA)

 

If you care about Puget Sound's intertidal shoreline area get involved in the public process. The shellfish industry is and has been, most recently in "streamlining" the federal and state permit process without public input and in crafting updated county regulations. What you see is what they want. [click here for Pierce County Shoreline Master Program update and September 25 meeting]