Reestablishing Olympia Oyster Populations in Puget Sound, Washington

摘要

The Olympia oyster (Ostreola conchaphila) is the only oyster species native to the Pacific Northwest. It is reported to occur from Panama to Sitka, Alaska. Although some populations thrive in pure seawater, this oysters preferred habitat is usually restricted to bays and estuaries with brackish water, with salinities no lower than 23 to 24 parts per thousand. In Washington state, prolific natural beds have historically existed in Willapa Bay, Samish Bay and throughout the maze of inlets in southern Puget Sound.