The recent class of Beachwatchers visited the Maynard Beach Nearshore Restoration project site in Discovery Bay on Thursday, April 7. The Beachwatcher visit coincided with the site survey by consultants Philip Williams/ESA. The consultant team is developing conceptual designs for the Jefferson County Marine Resource Committee (JCMRC) and North Olympic Salmon Coalition (NOSC)to restore 1800 feet of nearshore habitat.
MRC Chairman, District 3 Representative and 2011 Beachwatcher, Michael Adams, provided an overview of the MRC's Olympia oyster studies at the site. The MRC has been studying Olympia oysters in Discovery Bay since 2004. The MRC's oyster program is focussed on learning about the limiting factors of Olynpia oyster propogation with the goal of restoring native populations. The MRC monitors growth rate and larval set in addtion to varous water quality parameters.
Beach Watchers come from all walks of life and bring a rich cross-section of backgrounds, experience, service and talents. They receive intensive science-based training through classwork and field trips such as this to become citizen scientists, stewards and educators in the local community.
