Pierce County Mulls Geoduck Farm Near Purdy, Seeks Input

Gig Harbor WA

05 October, 2021

2:15 PM

Description

GIG HARBOR, WA — Pierce County is evaluating the potential impact of geoduck farm in the Burley Lagoon, but they're asking the public to weigh in and provide public comment before they commit to the endeavor. Burley lagoon is a saltwater body located between Purdy and the Key Peninsula. Under the proposal, farmers would convert existing shellfish beds in the area — which are currently used to collect Manila clams and oysters — to cultivate geoduck clams. The conversion would involve planting PVC "nursery tubes" or an HDPVE flexible mesh of nursery tubes across the 25.5 acre farm. According to county resources, the proprietors of the farm, Taylor Shellfish, would need to regularly clean beaches along the shoreline, but researchers also found "no data to indicate that biological resources will change in Burley Lagoon" as a result of the change in farming. >> Learn more about the project or submit a comment through Pierce County's website.