www.shellfishgarden.com

If the weather keeps up like this we should see a major commercial level set of Pacific oysters in Hood Canal this summer. The past 4 summers have been dismal due to the weather with only small scattered sets. Some portions of Dabob got one single fair set last summer but not enough.

Thanks for the expert observations Ecologist! I would recommend that gardeners in the canal take advantage of this set, perhaps by putting out shell to catch the larvae? Reports I have heard from Dabob bay say that there is a ton of larvae in the water today, so I would imagine the oysters will be setting in about 10 days to two weeks. If you beach does not already have a bunch of shell on it you might consider getting some and putting it out.

Talked to a grower today and he said the larvae count from Dabob was 5,000 for 20 gallon sample! First setting should start this Saturday. Probably a bit light but not bad. I have a hunch that the next one after that is gonna be beyond big. No big storms or rainy cold weather please!