WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • SEPTEMBER 2019 33 (CONTINUED ON PAGE 38) TABLE 2. Summary of stakeholder focus group meeting, Liberty Bay, 12 April 2009. Overall perceptions Sense of place and livelihood. Aesthetic value. Recreation opportunity. Environmental and ecosystem diversity. Iconic: fundamental part of WA. Source of anxiety and contention – recreational harvest and private/tribal ownership of tidelands. Fosters stewardship and good husbandry. Indicator of nearshore ecosystem health. Cultural value. Indicator of human health and of planning. Connection to shoreline/ uniqueness of area. ‘What I don’t know might harm me’. Benefits of shellfish Stewardship/ husbandry* is key to shellfish growth and recovery. Monitoring is essential. Overall ecosystem benefit – protecting shellfish protects ecosystem. Shellfish harvest drives cleanup efforts. National image of shellfish from WA. Coordination of planning in watersheds. Could use benefits. Connects people to the environment*. Cultural/tradition*. Consequences of shellfish Land use conflicts and tideland ownership* – working shellfish in tidelands can disturb land owners. Urbanization. Aesthetics (negatives of shellfish growing). Restricted access. Restoration costs* – individuals responsible for septic upgrades. Waste material associated with aquaculture. Property rights/ equity issues. Future visions Increase in recreational harvest. No expansion of the marina (local water quality issue). Diverse array of harvestable species. No landowner conflicts. Access to all. Hard to imagine Liberty Bay w/out boats. Practical suggestions (education/ outreach) to schools, and homeowners. Zero discharge from all rec. boaters (legislation for this). Enforcement of regulations. Coordination of resources. All stormwater treated before discharge. Broaden public perception Enhanced partnerships. Faulty septic and sewer systems fixed. Trade-offs Growth in Liberty Bay must address issues related to urbanization. Culture of ‘no new taxes’ a challenge. WA has an environmental backbone and ethic. Taxes (specific to shellfish) are not too popular if folks can’t access the shoreline. Additional comments Comment: Could use the benefits of shellfish to encourage safe landscape management. Key points from focus group Mix of perspectives (Navy, growers, landowners, local governments). Shellfish growing good for the community and the environment. Growth in Liberty Bay the biggest threat. Restoration costs are an issue – who should pay? Stormwater and boat discharge are challenging to tackle in Liberty Bay. Shellfish is a recreational and cultural tradition that should be available to all citizens. Homeowners need assistance in maintaining their tidelands and residential lands near the shoreline.
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