MORE TO DO!  PHASE II OF THE WASHINGTON SHELLFISH INITIATIVE

The Washington State Shellfish Initiative (WSI) is a convergence of NOAA's National Shellfish Initiative and the State's interest in promoting a critical clean water industry.  Originally launched in December 2011, over 30 action items identified in the WSI have been completed to date.  Phase I highlights include water quality improvements to support recreational, tribal, and commercial harvest, a new native shellfish restoration hatchery, cutting edge science to address ocean acidification, and an assessment of the Washington State aquaculture permitting process.  Based on this success, the WSI has been updated and Phase II has begun with a new suite of action items to advance the goals of healthy, abundant shellfish resources for Washington's residents and Native American tribes, as well as a thriving shellfish aquaculture industry.   Highlights from Phase I and the workplan for Phase II will be presented.