Contact us at psi@pacshell.org to inquire about free Shellfish Grower HAZWOPER training.

Shellfish Farmers as First Responders to Spills (Funded by The Russell Family Foundation)

Purpose:

This project is driven by a number of key concerns. First, oil spills occur with disturbing regularity in our coastal waters. Spills originating from vessel groundings or minor oil spills in adjacent uplands can adversely impact shellfish growers, and tribal, commercial and recreational harvesters. Recent examples include spills in Humboldt Bay, CA in 1997 and 1999, Coos Bay, OR (New Clarissa) in 1999, and Dalco Passage, Puget Sound in 2004. The Humboldt and Coos Bay spills significantly impacted growers. Shellfish were contaminated, and growing areas were temporarily closed to harvest. Second, unless they are properly trained and certified, growers cannot participate directly in spill containment and cleanup. Third, growers, in general, lack suitable crop records required to justify loss claims. Fourth, there is no oil spill response equipment in place to protect valuable locations (such as geoduck beds) or facilities from harm if a spill event should occur. Fifth, growers are unaware of their coverage, and subsequent risk of not being included, in the Geographic Response Plan (GRP).

It is our aim to assist the shellfish farming community in Puget Sound, Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor in providing a range of oil spill response services ranging from preventative training and initial assessment to spill containment, cleanup, and loss claims.

Approach:

The project has four objectives, all linked to deliver a multifaceted approach:

  • Objective A) Provide spill prevention training/equipment to shellfish growers to enable them to eliminate and respond to their own spills/leaks.
  • Objective B) Provide information sessions/training describing current oil spill response strategies and possible pre-emptive measures.
  • Objective C) Complete GIS layer of shellfish beds, assist growers in adding current data for post spill claims, and assess risk.
  • Objective D) Offer HAZWOPER spill response training and provide spill drills for growers to enhance their spill response skills and ensure their safety. These training workshops will be held in key shellfish farming areas across the state.

Progress & Results:

Pacific Shellfish Institute staff member Andy Suhrbier completed HAZWOPER training. The training consisted of weeklong classroom and hands one exercises with DOE, EPA, Coast Guard, Navy, and professional cleanup personnel. With this knowledge Mr. Suhrbier chaired a Oil Spill Session at the Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers and National Shellfisheries Association (Pacific Coast Section) Conference in Hood River in September, 2005. Eric Olsson of the University of Washington SeaGrant, Linda Pilkey-Jarvis of the Washington Department of Ecology, and Mr. Suhrbier all presented talks at the conference. The talks focused on oil spill prevention and response and how shellfish growers can become more involved in these processes.

Also during the conference, 199 oil spill kits were handed out to shellfish growers and scientists. Included in the kits are small absorbent bilge pad, gloves, a brochure targeting fishermen and boaters, and another brochure detailing preventative measures vessel owners can take to prevent large and small spills.

Project Partners:

  • Eric Olsson - University of Washington SeaGrant Program
  • Bill Dewey - Taylor Shellfish Farms

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