GROWING METHODS

• Oyster Seed

  Grow oysters in a sheltered area or enclosed container (for example, an oyster grow bag)
• Grow bags – stock with 100 oysters per bag
• Tidal depth - +4 to -1 feet Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW)
• Time to harvest - If you are looking for small oysters for eating raw anticipate 12-18 months and closer two years or longer for a 4-6 inch oyster. Southern Puget Sound generally has faster growth rates than Hood Canal or Northern Puget Sound.
• Maintaining your oyster bags - Keep the bags clean by shaking, lightly scrubbing or pressure washing during the high growth months -- June to September.  Also, watch the bags for silting as the substrate may move on you.  Finally, make sure your lines are secure!

• Manila Clam Seed

  Make sure to start with firm stable substrate. Ideal areas would be gravel or firm sand. If the sand has current or wave ripples it is not likely stable enough.
• Assess what predators may be present and if control is possible. Typical predators are crabs (Dungeness, red rock, graceful crabs etc.), diving ducks (scoters), fish (shiner perch). Do not underestimate the ability of a predator. Some predators may only be a problem seasonally.
• “Car cover” is the most common means of excluding predators. Make sure to bury all edges and stake down securely to the beach. A combination of burying edges and staking is best to assure the net is not dislodged in a storm. Attach a tag with your name and address to facilitate return should it be dislodged and drift away. If your beach does not have existing clams, plant 100 per square foot. If clams are present and you are enhancing the existing population consider planting 40-60 per square foot depending on the density of existing clams.
• Tidal depth – Southern Puget Sound +5 to +1 feet MLLW. Hood Canal and Northern Puget Sound +3 to +1 feet MLLW
• Grow bag method is possible if sand substrate exists. Grow bags need to be “set or dug” in sand approximately 2-3” deep. After bags are set in place sprinkle seed evenly on top of bag and tap on bag to allow seed to drop. This is best done as the tide returns and there is water over the bag. Plant approximately 250 clams per bag.

• Mussel Seed

  The grow bag method works for culturing mussels intertidally or suspended from your dock.
• Tidal elevation for intertidal cultivation -1 to +2 feet MLLW
• Stock each bag with approximately 500 mussels by securing the seeded net (mussel sock) with a plastic cable tie centrally in the grow bag. The mussels will distribute themselves as they grow.
• It is best but not essential if possible to secure the bag a few inches off the bottom on pvc or rebar racks. The mussels will grow better, be cleaner and there will be less problems with fouling.
• Time to harvest will be approximately 2 years depending on location and tidal elevation