Presentation Abstract
This project explored the application of extractive aquaculture technologies using shellfish for nutrient mitigation in urban nearshore environments of Tacoma and Olympia, WA. Nutrient removal by shellfish, which are then harvested and removed from the system, has the potential to help address environmental issues such as excess inputs of nutrients (eutrophication), low dissolved oxygen, and reduced light availability. The research focus was to: 1) implement demonstration aquaculture systems; 2) determine nutrient removal services of mussels grown; 3) assess the feasibility of producing soil compost from the demonstration systems; and 4) increase local stakeholder awareness of and engagement in urban water quality mitigation needs and strategies. In Budd Inlet over 225 nylon straps were placed under 3 existing dock structures to provide a suitable substrate for mussel recruits. By summer’s end, over 3,600 kg (over 8,000 lbs) of adult mussels were filter-feeding on these straps. These mussels were harvested, chipped, and delivered to The Evergreen State College’s Organic Farm, WSU-Puyallup Research and Extension Center, and Cedar Creek Correctional Center for ongoing compost trials. The mussels removed an estimated 360 kg (800 lbs) of nitrogen (wet weight) from lower Budd Inlet over the course of 4 months. In addition, to the bioextraction trials, outreach efforts focused on improving public understanding of local water quality issues, ecosystem services of shellfish, and controlling upland sources of nutrients that flow into Puget Sound.
Session Title
Session S-10A: Shellfish Aquaculture: Exploring Themes of Sustainability and Ecosystem Recovery
Conference Track
Harmful Algal Blooms and Shellfish
Conference Name
Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2014 : Seattle, Wash.)
Document Type
Event
Start Date
2-5-2014 1:30 PM
End Date
2-5-2014 3:00 PM
Location
Room 615-616-617
Genre/Form
conference proceedings; presentations (communicative events)
Contributing Repository
Digital content made available by University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Subjects – Topical (LCSH)
Shellfish culture--Waste minimization--Research--Washington State--Puget Sound; Shellfish culture--By-products--Environmental aspects--Research--Washington State--Puget Sound; Mussels--Growth--Research--Washington State--Budd Inlet; Coastal zone management--Environmental aspects--Washington State--Puget Sound
Geographic Coverage
Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.); Puget Sound (Wash.); Budd Inlet (Wash.)
Rights
This resource is displayed for educational purposes only and may be subject to U.S. and international copyright laws. For more information about rights or obtaining copies of this resource, please contact University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225-9103, USA (360-650-7534; heritage.resources@wwu.edu) and refer to the collection name and identifier. Any materials cited must be attributed to the Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference Records, University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Type
Text
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
Included in
Shellfish at Work: Nutrient Bioextraction Demonstration in South Puget Sound
Room 615-616-617
This project explored the application of extractive aquaculture technologies using shellfish for nutrient mitigation in urban nearshore environments of Tacoma and Olympia, WA. Nutrient removal by shellfish, which are then harvested and removed from the system, has the potential to help address environmental issues such as excess inputs of nutrients (eutrophication), low dissolved oxygen, and reduced light availability. The research focus was to: 1) implement demonstration aquaculture systems; 2) determine nutrient removal services of mussels grown; 3) assess the feasibility of producing soil compost from the demonstration systems; and 4) increase local stakeholder awareness of and engagement in urban water quality mitigation needs and strategies. In Budd Inlet over 225 nylon straps were placed under 3 existing dock structures to provide a suitable substrate for mussel recruits. By summer’s end, over 3,600 kg (over 8,000 lbs) of adult mussels were filter-feeding on these straps. These mussels were harvested, chipped, and delivered to The Evergreen State College’s Organic Farm, WSU-Puyallup Research and Extension Center, and Cedar Creek Correctional Center for ongoing compost trials. The mussels removed an estimated 360 kg (800 lbs) of nitrogen (wet weight) from lower Budd Inlet over the course of 4 months. In addition, to the bioextraction trials, outreach efforts focused on improving public understanding of local water quality issues, ecosystem services of shellfish, and controlling upland sources of nutrients that flow into Puget Sound.
