Olympia Oysters

The Olympia oyster, about the size of a silver dollar, is the only oyster that is native to the Pacific Northwest. They were once a common and productive part of the habitat of Puget Sound, and were an important food source for Washington's tribes. Olympia oysters have been dramatically reduced in Puget Sound by over harvesting, pollution, introduction of non-native oysters and destruction of the nearshore habitat. The Olympia oyster continues to be threatened today, and is a candidate as a possible state threatened, endangered or sensitive species. Currently, the Puget Sound Restoration Fund is working to re-introduce Olympia oysters in different sites throughout Puget Sound and Hood Canal. Once established, the Olympia oyster reef creates a diverse habitat that increases the productivity of the nearshore, a critical habitat for many fish including the endangered Puget Sound Chinook Salmon. Olympia oysters are filter feeders capable of filtering 8 to 12 gallons of water a day. Filter feeding can help to reduce the turbidity of seawater and promote nutrient balance. The reestablishment of the Olympia oyster in Puget Sound will bring back an important cultural part of the Sound, and will help to improve the overall health of the Sound by creating a healthy nearshore environment.