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Cranberry Production Food Systems & Safety Forestry Dairy |
Marine Resources Program Pacific County’s Marine Industry As the major shellfish production and processing center on the Washington coast, Pacific County’s economy includes a substantial marine resources component. The commercial fishing industry, based primarily in Ilwaco and Chinook, includes over 200 vessels and nearly 1300 fishermen, with annual landings exceeding 21 million pounds of fish and shellfish with an ex-vessel value of nearly $15 million. Dungeness crab, Pacific pink shrimp, albacore tuna, and bottomfish production are the major components of the commercial fishery, generating over $25 million in personal income, and over a thousand jobs to the county’s economy. Many fishermen also participate in the distant water fisheries in Alaska, adding an additional $21 million in county personal income contributions. Pacific County is also home to the largest shellfish culture industry on the west coast, with nearly 50 million pounds of oysters and clams produced each year, with a wholesale value exceeding $10 million. The industry generates over $12 million in personal income, and provides nearly 600 jobs to the local economy annually. In addition, the charterboat industry in Ilwaco includes over thirty vessels, offering sportsfishing and whalewatching trips for local residents and outside visitors. Eight seafood processing plants, and fifteen seafood retailers provide seafood products to area distributors and consumers. Marine Resources Extension Program The Extension marine resources program encourages the understanding, development, wise use, and conservation of ocean and coastal resources. Through research, education, and Extension, marine resources programs are available to solve marine related problems on the coast, Willapa Bay, and the lower Columbia River. Affiliated with the University of Washington Sea Grant Program, the marine resources program serves the community by providing technical assistance and educational activities to commercial fishermen, shellfish growers, seafood processors and retailers, recreational boaters, marine educators, students, and others who use, manage, or simply enjoy the area’s marine resources. Activities of the program are geared to specific problems of a marine nature, and to specific audiences. Assistance may include working with an individual on a particular project, presenting a day or evening workshop for a group with a specific need, or teaching an intensive short course on a marine subject. The office provides marine related publications and materials from throughout the nation, and maintains a small reference collection. Steve Harbell is the marine resources Extension agent who leads the program, with additional program responsibilities for the outer coast of Washington and southern Puget Sound. Specialists in aquaculture, commercial fishing, coastal resources, and water quality are used for specific program needs. Located in the WSU/Pacific County Extension Office in South Bend, he can be reached by phone at (360) 875-9331, or by mail at P. O. Box 88, South Bend, WA 98586, or e-mail Steve Harbell. Commercial Crabber Towboat Lane Agreements
Commercial Fishing Safety and Technology
Poor quality products cost the seafood industry in Pacific County over a half million dollars annually in lost sales and wastage. Improper seafood handling and storage by producers, processors, retailers, and consumers causes loss of quality, reduced economic value, wastage, reduced sales, and potential safety problems. Improved handling, sanitation, and temperature control are needed at all levels of harvesting, processing, and distribution to maximize the economic value of wild and cultured products, reduce contamination, increase product safety, and improve the marketability and consumer acceptance of Pacific County’s seafood products. Goal: To improve seafood quality and safety. Objectives: Aquaculture producers and processors will complete additional enhanced Best Management Practices, and retailers will improve their seafood quality maintenance techniques. Extension volunteers and consumers will improve their knowledge and skills in seafood safety, quality control, and utilization techniques. Workshops, seminars, written materials, newsletters, and technical assistance for volunteers, consumers, and fishermen; technical assistance and written materials for retailers. Project Background: Environmental and natural resources issues are important to Pacific County residents. However, despite their geographic proximity to the marine environment, youth and other residents often lack a fundamental knowledge of marine plants and animals, or the physical processes that affect the coastal near-shore environment. Youth and community members need a better understanding of these issues to enable them to make better future decisions on natural resources use and management. Goal: Increase the knowledge and understanding of marine issues by youth and community members. Objectives: Provide training for four hundred youth and community members on marine resources and aquaculture. |
Daily Radio Addresses Pacific County’s Marine Industry Marine Resources Extension Program
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