A group of Olympia area residents and neighborhood associations is seeking contributions and volunteers to plant oysters to help improve water quality.
This is the 11th year the group has organized a mass oyster planting along the shores of Budd Inlet. It needs volunteers to assist with planting as well as donors to contribute to purchasing the oyster seed.
A $34.50 donation buys a “grow bag” with about 100 oyster seeds inside, rope and rebar stakes attached. After a year, the baby oysters will be fully grown and may be released, and the grow bags can be used again to grow more oysters. The cost for seeds to refill grow bags is $10.50.
Orders must be received by July 20, and the oysters will be planted July 23-24.
Oysters consume phytoplankton and free-swimming algae and improve water quality while they filter their food from the water, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. One oyster can filter as many as 50 gallons of water per day. They also remove nitrogen that causes algae blooms and red tides, promote eelgrass survival, and provide excellent habitats for fish.
