In response to the growing threat of ocean acidification (OA) in the West Coast shellfish aquaculture industry, NOAA Fisheries’ Northwest Fisheries Science Center and Puget Sound Restoration Fund scientists are developing approaches to increase shellfish resilience and create mitigation strategies for growers. The first approach assesses the OA tolerance of the Littleneck clam, which is native to the West Coast but not commonly studied or farmed. While non-natives such as the Manila clam are commonly cultured and studied, less is known about native clams' sensitivities to OA. Understanding whether native species are inherently more resilient may allow growers to mitigate climate change damage by diversifying their farms.
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The researchers’ second approach will dive into bivalve DNA by asking how clams may pass on environmental information to their offspring through the parental carryover effect. The researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms responsible, and if successful, find ways for growers to leverage this data. In order to ensure that NOAA Fisheries continues to provide impactful research to stakeholders the researchers plan to survey shellfish growers after both experiments are complete, the researchers plan to survey growers in order to ensure that NOAA Fisheries continues to provide impactful research to stakeholders.
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Port of San Diego Releases Blue Economy Incubator Highlights
 This summer, the Port of San Diego released their third Blue Economy Incubator (BEI) Highlights Report. The BEI was founded in 2016 with the intention of facilitating innovation and partnerships that promote a sustainable ocean economy. The BEI’s current portfolio includes nine ventures, two of which are aquaculture pilot projects: San Diego Bay Aquaculture and Sunken Seaweed.
San Diego Bay Aquaculture is working to demonstrate the feasibility of using Floating Upweller Nursery System (FLUPSY) technology for shellfish nursery operations in San Diego Bay. According to the report, over 20 million juvenile oysters are expected to be produced annually when San Diego Bay Aquaculture’s FLUPSY is at full capacity. Sunken Seaweed is testing the feasibility of sustainable seaweed aquaculture in San Diego Bay. As of 2022, the project has tested six different algae species in support of various products and restoration benefits.
The Port of San Diego also included information on how to apply to the program. The report encourages any new or early-stage venture that aligns with the BEI objectives to submit an application to their incubator.
University of Washington Students Evaluate Permitting System
 This past semester, a team at the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Washington completed a comprehensive review and evaluation of the Washington Shellfish Interagency Permitting (SIP) team’s Phase 1 recommendations to improve regulatory efficiency. To inform their evaluation, the Evans Team interviewed members of the aquaculture industry and regulatory personnel with local, state, and federal government. The Evans team concluded that implementation of 2016 Phase 1 recommendations has been limited due to a variety of constraints including limited resources, Nationwide Permit 48 litigation, and COVID-19. The team provided recommendations for continued implementation and potential updates to the existing Phase 1 recommendations in light of the changes to the industry. The SIP team will meet in September to consider their recommendations and forge a path forward to enhance permitting efficiency in Washington state. To finish their project, the Evans Team visited Hama Hama Oyster Co. in Lilliwaup, WA. The students talked with Adam James and Justin Stang who shared their thoughts on running a long-time shellfish business and how the industry is bouncing back from the pandemic.
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