Shellfish Species
Learn
Shellfish Species
Shellfish are not interchangeable. Species differ in biology, habitat needs, reproductive strategy, and how they respond to farming pressure. Understanding those differences is the foundation of responsible aquaculture.
How to use this section
This section documents the shellfish species most relevant to regenerative aquaculture in the Pacific Northwest. Some species we actively farm. Others we intentionally do not. Each page explains why.
Oysters
Oysters are ecosystem engineers. Their ability to filter water, stabilize sediment, and create habitat makes them uniquely suited to regenerative systems when farmed with restraint.
Pacific Oyster
A non-native species that adapts exceptionally well to off-bottom farming. When grown with limited contact and without dredging, Pacific oysters can coexist with eelgrass and support habitat recovery.
Olympia Oyster
The only oyster native to the West Coast. Extremely sensitive to disturbance and slow growing. Their recovery is a direct signal of habitat stability and low-impact practices.
Clams
Clams vary widely in how they are farmed. Some methods require intensive substrate alteration, netting, or vegetation removal. Those practices matter.
Manila Clam
A productive species commonly farmed using plastic netting and eelgrass removal. While widely consumed, standard farming methods do not align with our regenerative standards.
Species selection is a design choice
Regeneration does not begin with yield targets. It begins with choosing species whose biology aligns with habitat recovery. In some cases, the most responsible choice is not to farm at all.
About the author
Antony Barran
Founder of Willapa Wild and steward of historic oyster beds in Willapa Bay. Focused on species-level decision making as the foundation of regenerative aquaculture.
- Shellfish species differ significantly in habitat impact.
- Not all species can be farmed regeneratively.
- Species selection determines system outcomes.
- Biology must precede production goals.
- Restraint is a core component of regeneration.