The near demise of Olympia oysters (“Olys”) on the west coast of United States has led to increased efforts in the last decade to restore this species throughout much of its range (Baja, California, Mexico, to Gale Passage, Campbell Island, in British Columbia). Populations of this small oyster, once a keystone species in many estuaries, declined after the 1880s as a result of overharvest, pollution, deforestation, urbanization, and the introduction of non-native oyster species (Crassostrea gigas), was also accompanied by several non-native predators.
Restoration efforts began in Puget Sound in 1999 and have successfully progressed in the last two decades, including the opening of the Kenneth K. Chew Center for Shellfish Research and Restoration in Washington State, which houses a hatchery for Olympia oysters and other bivalve species, as well as a facility to culture kelp. In the last two decades there have been other achievements, including a special issue of Journal of Shellfish Research dedicated to research on the Olympia oyster; several west coast workshops for those interested in restoring Olys; confirmation of the species name and range; identification of Oly subpopulations in Puget Sound and other areas; studies on invertebrate assemblages in Olympia oyster fringing reefs; and prioritization of locations along the west coast that would best support restoration projects in the species range.
One of the latest accomplishments has been the establishment of the Native Olympia Oyster Collaborative (NOOC) that has brought together Olympia oyster restoration practitioners, shellfish growers, scientists, tribes, and agency managers in an effort to share information and restoration project results. To date there are approximately 40 Oly restoration projects along the US west coast and British Columbia, funded by various federal and state agencies, non-profit organizations, and individual contributions. Detailed information about the various restoration projects can be found on the NOOC website, and there will be more about this in some of the session presentations.
The session will also include a brief overview of the history of the Olympia oyster and presentations about other aspects of restoration and research on this species.