It’s time to get out and ‘Shell-ebrate’

Event to feature oyster samples, activities for kids and awards

By Stefanie Donahue

To mark the second anniversary of recreational and commercial shellfish harvesting restrictions being lifted on more than 800 acres of Drayton Harbor, local groups are coming together to host a ‘Shell-ebration.’

The free event will feature refreshments, oyster samples from Drayton Harbor Oyster Company, activities for kids and a community awards ceremony. It’s set to take place from 4–6 p.m. on Friday, December 14 at the G Street Plaza.

“Drayton Harbor is an ideal location for growing shellfish and historically provided a productive source of oysters and clams for commercial, tribal and recreational harvest,” read a press release from the Whatcom County Public Works Department.

In 1995, harvesting restrictions in Drayton Harbor were imposed due to high levels of pollution that made consumption of shellfish unsafe. The restrictions extended until December 2016, when the Washington State Department of Health lifted recreational and commercial shellfish harvesting restrictions on 810 acres of Drayton Harbor.

The community has been working hard for over 20 years to improve water quality, according to county public works. “Thanks to your sustained efforts and on-the-ground improvements, shellfish harvesting restrictions were lifted.”

A combination of state and county agencies, nonprofit organizations and volunteers came together to repair septic systems, utilize marine pump-out stations, invest in wastewater and stormwater systems, improve pasture and manure management, plant trees and shrubs along waterways and pickup pet waste.

The Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District advisory committee was formed after the state downgraded the harbor and is still active. The district currently has two vacancies that serve four-year terms. Meetings take place quarterly and interested applicants can learn more by visiting bit.ly/2C117d4.

“We really just want to keep people involved,” said public works water quality planner Kate Kimber. “The issue of water quality doesn’t go away.”

The ‘Shell-ebration’ will be hosted outdoors, so be sure to dress accordingly. To learn more, call 360/778-6302.