The state’s shellfish industry, besieged by pollution problems and neighbors who don’t want new and expanded geoduck farms, received a fresh show of support Friday from top state and federal officials.
Gov. Chris Gregoire, NOAA administrator Jane Lubchenco and others gathered at Taylor Shellfish Farms’ headquarters in a pep rally-like atmosphere to announce a new shellfish initiative to restore and expand the state’s shellfish resources.
The initiative calls for a streamlined, faster-paced permitting process for new and expanded shellfish farms, stepped-up restoration projects for two native shellfish populations – the Olympia oyster and pinto abalone – and new water-quality projects in shellfish-growing areas of Puget Sound.
Commercial shellfish growers praised the initiative as a major shot in the arm that could allow them to meet a growing global demand for oysters, clams, mussels and geoducks grown in state waters.
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