Burrowing Shrimp dig into the sand and make tunnels underground. In doing so they kick up about a handful of sand up to the surface everyday, and bury clams and oysters.

That’s a problem for shellfish farmers. Researchers at the University of Washington found a new way to get rid of the pests with the help of concrete vibrators.

Guests:

Jennifer Ruesink, a biology professor at the University of Washington and the senior author of a recent paper on the technique.
Ken Wiegardt, a 5th generation oyster grower with Jolly Roger Oysters in Willapa Bay.

Links:

A new method could help Washington shellfish farmers control a pesky shrimp - UW News

Immobilization of Burrowing Shrimp (Neotrypaea californiensis) by Vibrocompaction as a Pest Control Strategy for Shellfish Farms - Journal of Shellfish Research

Shellfish growers’ request to use neonicotinoid pesticide too risky for Washington’s environment - Department of Ecology of Washington State

Jennifer L. Ruesink - University of Washington

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.