USDA-CSREES/Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (WSARE): Development and Implementation of Integrated Pest Management

Purpose or Scope:

Ghost shrimpOyster production in the Pacific Northwest is currently facing an economic, technological, and cultural challenge that if not met, will result in damage to the industry and a likely decline in estuarine health. High densities of burrowing shrimp occurring in the estuaries cause oysters and other surface dwelling organisms to literally sink in the sediments. The purpose of this project is to assist the Willapa Bay/Grays Harbor Oyster Growers Association (WGHOGA) in development and implementation of alternatives to conventional carbaryl-based pest management in productive oyster grounds in Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor, Washington.

Approach:

The overall approach has been to: 1) determine the relationship between shrimp density and oyster yield; 2) evaluate alternative management tactics such as sub-surface applications of biorational or low-risk compounds, the mechanical crushing and shallow rototilling of shrimp burrows, within a tier of experimental designs that progress from small tightly controlled arenas, through larger microcosm studies to field plot trials; 3) use grower interviews and surveys to appraise the financial costs of burrowing shrimp damage and potential alternative management tactics to derive economically based action thresholds; and 4) write an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan for burrowing shrimp; implement and deliver it to oyster producers, the scientific community, and the public.

Progress and Results:

Ghost shrimp burrowsAlternative burrowing shrimp management tactics were investigated. Treatments using sulfur, a biorational compound, and a low-impact pesticide showed potential. Attempts to crush burrowing shrimp using semi-amphibious and roller-track vehicles were moderately successful. Greater potential was seen in the injection of control agents subsurface. Attempts to attract and trap shrimp using various scents were not successful. Mesocosms were set up at the NMFS Mukilteo laboratory to help determine the relationship between density of burrowing shrimp and oyster yield. Progress in these studies were presented at local and regional grower meetings and IPM conferences. This research continued through 2007.

Project Partners:

This research was sponsored through the WSARE program administered by Utah State University. Collaborating organizations included:

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