Olympia Oyster
Project
An Important Step in Restoring a Functioning Ecosystem
Project Description
Partnering with Puget Sound Restoration Fund (PSRF), we created an Oyster Garden to prove that Olympia oysters could grow and thrive in Miller Bay. Our goal is
to re-establish and maintain a healthy Olympia oyster population, restoring the native species that were harvested to near extinction in the 1850’s. From 2018-2021, we monitored 20,000 young oysters with results proving they successfully spawned. In March 2021 both organizations agreed to pursue an Oyster Restoration Project in Miller Bay. FOMB completed fundraising to purchase 100 Bags of seeded clutch, approximately 200,000 oyster spat (baby oysters). PSRF then conducted a field survey of Miller Bay and made recommendations. Based on the survey results we established two oyster recruitment monitoring stations at Grovers Creek main drainage and Clam Island. From Fall 2021 – Fall 2024 – FOMB completed 4 years of data collection (placed each Spring – removed/analyzed late Summer-Fall). Amazingly both the Miller Bay Olympia oyster garden and our monitoring stations indicated quality habitat that should promote future recolonization success.
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Spring 2025 - Olympia oysters are back in Miller Bay!
Once we received a Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) Shellfish Transfer Permit and Health Certificate, we took advantage of the last favorable low tides of April. A small group of FOMB volunteers moved 100 bags, containing approximately 200,000 oysters, from Puget Sound Restoration Fund’s intertidal nursery at Clam Bay to Miller Bay. It was a momentous occasion, April 22nd (Earth Day!). A new oyster reef is now located at Grovers Creek’s main drainage site, just at the end of the bay, as it begins to narrow.
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What started as a small oyster garden, in 2018 to test if Miller Bay was a “good” candidate for an Olympia Oyster Restoration Project, is now home to approximately 100,000 Olympia oysters!
Benefits
As a habitat forming species, Olympia oysters can have a large impact on the ecological functioning of larger communities and ecosystems. Healthy Olympia oyster populations:
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Create a biogenic habitat for a wide variety of other organisms and animals supporting a healthy diverse intertidal environment.
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Provide shelter and food, serving as a nursery for species, some of which are important prey for salmon.
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Produce micro-organisms that lie in intertidal areas and are critical for many invertebrates.
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Help filter/clean water, moderating excessive nutrient loads and recycling nitrogen enriching our tidelands.
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Tracking the effects of global warming on the smallest marine species is a way to understand issues facing entire ecosystems.
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Olympia Oyster restoration projects are happening from Puget Sound to Southern California, including; Monterey Bay CA, Elkhorn Slough CA, Humboldt Bay CA, the Oregon Coast, and throughout the Puget Sound including Liberty Bay and Gamble Bay and now Miller Bay!
Area of Interest
Status &
Current Activities
After years of research, site surveys, monitoring, and preparation, 100 bags of seeded cultch (approximately 200,000 Olympia Oyster spat) were placed in Miller Bay. We prioritized placement to the Grovers Creek main drainage site, due to surveys and early recruitment monitoring data. This location is also considered Miller Bay’s historic oyster reef location.
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Monitor and collect data in the years to come to track our success rate and forecast habitat impact
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In Winter 2025 we moved the oysters from the original “test” garden to the newly established oyster reef
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In 2026 and beyond we will be establishing small oyster beds throughout the bay to see if our initial oyster population spreads and where additional successful habitat conditions can be identified.
Partnerships & Acknowledgements
Friends of Miller Bay gratefully acknowledges our partners in this Project:
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Puget Sound Restoration Fund
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Boat Captain
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Our generous FOMB Community
For More Information
To lend your support to this project please contact the Stewardship & Restoration Program Director by email @ info@friendsofmillerbay.org