CHANS Lab

Listen to Megan Mach interviewed by Tom Banse on National Public Radio: PLAY

Experimental application of herbicide (on right) controlled Japanese eelgrass. Photo by Dr. Kim Patten, WSU Extension

“Pacific Coast shellfish growers say the spread of a non-native sea grass is threatening clam production. For the second year in a row, the industry’s trade group is asking Washington State to follow California’s example by listing Japanese eelgrass as a noxious weed. That would permit more aggressive control measures. But University of British Columbia researcher Megan Mach says some scientists and environmentalists are concerned about the extent of any eradication campaign.”

Or link to the story on NPR here

And catch the main story with interviews of the Sierra Club, Oyster farmers in Willapa Bay and Dr. Sandy Wyllie-Echeverria, a University of Washington seagrass scientist: PLAY

“To the growers, it seems obvious that Washington and its neighbors should follow. The sea grass is not native. It’s causing a nuisance and there are control methods that work.

But not so fast argue some marine scientists, state agencies and conservationists. ‘In most areas of the world, these plants are highly protected,’ said Sandy Wyllie-Echeverria, a marine biologist with the University of Washington. ‘So in my mind, the ledger needs more examination. There are areas where Japonica (the scientific name) has been shown to be a valuable resource and there are other areas where it is quite mixed.'”

Or link to the story on NPR here