PHOTO: Volunteers at the Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association’s 31st Bi-Annual Beach Cleanup, April 16, 2020
Twice a year, shellfish growers join forces with state agencies and non-profit organizations to remove debris from local beaches in South Puget Sound. In the March and October, a force of about 120 volunteers and 25 boats will head out to scour approximately 100 miles of shoreline for marine debris of all types. Debris is then transported by vessel to either of the two land-based sorting stations at Arcadia Boat Launch in Shelton and National Fish and Oyster in Nisqually.
Over the last 15 years, the shellfish industry has expanded, and yet the composition of debris collected during these cleanups remains fairly constant — with debris NOT related to shellfish aquaculture making up 80% of the collection. Of the small amount of shellfish gear recovered, about half is typically returned to shellfish grower’s farms, instead of the landfill. It is one of PCSGA’s primary goals to work with our members to minimize the amount of gear escaping from farms during storm event, and cleanup gear that enters our waterways.
“The PCSGA beach cleanup is great. Awesome to see how much the industry cares about the water and continually improving practices to reduce marine debris.”
– Andy Gregory, Pollution Prevention Director, Puget Soundkeeper Alliance
Keeping our beaches clean is a group effort and shellfish growers acknowledge their role in taking care of the shorelines where they farm. The cleanups are a reminder for growers to continuously maintain the integrity of gear on farms and demonstrate their commitment to protecting and preserving the ecosystem. PCSGA can never offer enough thanks to all who give their time and energy to this cause year after year, and what a difference each pair of hands makes toward this tradition of environmental stewardship!
Fees to dispose of the debris are raised at PCSGA’s annual community event, SLURP in Olympia. If you see debris along the shoreline or in the water, please report it to the PCSGA Marine Debris Hotline (360) 489-0141, or email outreach@pcsga.org.
- PCSGA Marine Debris Hotline – 260-BEACHES (260-232-2437)
iFiberOne News Radio, Shelton WA: Beach Interview with Becky Mabardy (former PCSGA Outreach and Projects Coordinator)
PCSGA Partners with Washington CoastSavers at their International Coastal Cleanup throughout Pacific County and Grays Harbor County, WA.
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/news/cleanup-removes-some-6-tons-of-debris-from-pacific-strait-beaches/
PCSGA supports shellfish growers conducting beach cleanups along the west coast!
Tomales Bay – International Coastal Cleanup
California Coastal Clean Up Day, 2017
Shellfish Growers Cleanup Beaches:
Rock Point Oyster Co., Hood Canal WA
Penn Cove Shellfish LLC., North Sound WA
Tomales Bay Oyster Co., Tomales Bay CA
Tomales Bay Oyster Co. beach cleanup summary report
Hog Island Oyster Co., Tomales Bay CA
Photos from Hog Island Coastal Cleanup 2017
Willapa-Grays Harbor Oyster Growers Association (WGHOGA) – Willapa Bay, WA
WGHOGA hosted a week long beach cleanup in mid July of 2018 and PCSGA sponsored their efforts by covering the costs of dumpsters at two locations. Here are some photos:
Past Beach Cleanup Photos:
