Project Overview
Increased sea otter populations threaten shellfish populations throughout Southeast Alaska, and necessitate innovative solutions for “grow-out” techniques for shellfish on subsistence and personal use beaches. The primary purpose of this project is to develop and implement innovative grow-out and predator control techniques using predator control blankets to maximize growth and survival for cockles and soft-shell clams on subsistence beaches adjacent to the community of Kake, Alaska.
The objectives of this JIP supported project are to: (1) work with the shellfish hatchery as they refine techniques to maximize growth and survival for cockles and soft-shell clams; (2) determine optimum installation and tending techniques for predator control blankets after seeding; (3) complete 12 months of trial grow-out period, with 4 controlled scenarios.
Additionally, The Organized Village of Kake has been engaged in a pilot study to support this work over the past 12 months, including out-planting 2 rounds of cockles. Additionally, the project will include 4 community engagement events with community residents in Kake to facilitate community engagement in pre-survey of study areas, out-planting, monitoring, and post-study survey.