- This event has passed.
Volunteers Needed to help Washington Department of Health | Marine Biotoxin
What: Jerry Borchert, from the Washington Department of Health is looking for shellfish collection next week between September 7th – 10th to gather samples from the north west side of Whidbey Island for a per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – known as PFAS contamination study.
Goal: to collect the following over the sampling period
Oysters – 12 minimum
Butter Clams – 12 minimum
Littleneck, Manila clams – 35 – 45
Horse Clams – 4 – 6
**This is a corrected species list as of 2:22 pm 8/31 ** subject to change.
When: 1st a preliminary meeting to organize the teams and to go over the collection protocol and form: Tuesday 9/6 either 9 am – 10 am or 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm, or 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm.
- The dates for specimen collection / digging would be:
- Sep. 7th 7am – 9 am * 2nd choice
- Sep. 8th 8 am – 10 am
- Sep. 9th 9 am – 11 am ** 1st choice
- Sep. 10th 9:45 am – 11:45 am
Location: The location to be confirmed with Jerry, possibly Joseph Whidbey State park or Moran beach ( input for another North West Whidbey beach near the Navy with samples would be appreciated as well).
Set up: Ideally we would choose 1 – 2 dates where teams could collect sample specimens, with at least 1 experienced ID person per group with additional volunteer support for this. I, Tabitha, have all of the materials needed for samples and shipping as well. Please bring shovels, water, and gloves.
Contact: This opportunity is time sensitive. Please email Tabitha at whidbey-coord@soundwaterstewards.org ASAP if you are interested.
