Shellfish on Vacation
While some have expressed envy over our recent Hawaiian getaway, the jealousy should be directed at locally produced shellfish. It turns out that many Washington clams and oysters receive a tropical vacation all their own. During the winter, Shelton-based Taylor Shellfish sends larval mollusks to NELHA (Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority) in Kona, Hawaii. NELHA is a state-operated ocean science and technology park. NELHA’s tenants engage in a variety of activities including growing shrimp, seahorses, abalone, lobster, fish, and algae.
NELHA was originally developed as a facility for research on ocean thermal energy conversion, a process that utilizes the difference between deep, cold ocean water and warm surface water to create electrical power. Eventually it became apparent that the cold water being pumped to the surface had other uses. Coming from 3,000 feet below the surface, the water is pure and rich in nutrients. The subtropical environment provides a winterless climate for year-round cultivation, making it an ideal climate for juvenile shellfish to get a head start on life.
The mollusks are coddled for a couple of months on their Hawaiian vacation, enjoying the sun, abundant food, and clean ocean water. The water temperature is adjusted constantly to maintain optimal temperatures throughout the year. (If they remained in Washington during the winter, they would require artificial light and heat.) Once the baby mollusks are large enough, they are sent back to the Northwest to live the remainder of their lives in the Puget Sound. So if you ever find yourself sitting in front of a bowl of chowder listening to NOFX sing about how "clams have feelings too," take comfort in the fact that they led a pretty comfortable life.
