Pierce County Mulls Geoduck Farm Near Purdy, Seeks Input

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 the county's anlysis also found "no data to indicate that biological resources will change in Burley Lagoon" as a result of the change in farming.

That said, some concerned residents are not thrilled with the proposal and have set up the Friends of Burley Lagoon. The group says it opposes all industrial aquaculture in the area, that it causes a loss of natural habitat and feeding grounds for native aquatic animals, plants, and waterfowl.

>> Learn more about the project or submit a comment through Pierce County's website.