The Tulalip Tribes Shellfish Program is primarily responsible for the harvest management of the shellfish resources, which include clams, crab, shrimp and other species. In addition to maintaining records of all subsistance and commercial shellfish harvests, the shellfish program conducts studies on population assessment, beach reconnaissance surveys, and enhancement. The shellfish program also reviews shoreline permits and other agencies' shellfish management practices. The shellfish management program works under the harvest management section and works closely with other Tulalip departments.

SHELLFISH TREATY RIGHTS Treaty rights regarding shellfish species (U.S. v. Washington Civil No. 9213, Subproc. 89-3) were upheld in 1994. Judge Rafeedie ruled that the tribes have treaty fishing rights to harvest shellfish throughout their usual and accustomed fishing areas, including private tidelands. The Tulalip Tribes work cooperatively with the State of Washington to co-manage the shellfish resource. Management agreements and harvest plans are developed to preserve, protect and perpetuate shellfish resources while providing equal sharing of allowable harvest.
BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT & MONITORING The Tulalip Tribes conduct several types of biological assessments and monitoring. Clam population surveys are conducted on Tulalip Tribal property, private tidelands and cooperatively with the State of Washington. This information is used in the conservation management of the resources. In September 1999, tribal divers were trained to do geoduck surveys and have completed surveys in the North Sound region. Crab and shrimp tests are also conducted to better manage the fishery.
EXOTIC SPECIES The Shellfish Program is actively involved in documenting, tracking and monitoring non-indigenous species. The Tulalip Tribes have an active Spartina removal program.In 1994, staff from the shellfish program participated in a workshop to eradicate Spartina. Spartina was identified in Tulalip Bay and an eradication and control program initiated. Other non-indigenous species of concern are Eurasian Watermilfoil, Purple Loosestrife, European Green Crab, Zebra Mussel, Freshwater Asian Clam, Mitten Crab, and Purple Varnish Clam. The Shellfish Program is actively involved with the Western Regional Panel of the ANS Task Force, the Exotic Subcommittee of the Puget Sound/Georgia Basin Task Force, and the Ballast Water Committee of the Puget Sound Marine Committee.
SHELLFISH SANITATION AND WATER QUALITY Through an agreement reached in 1994, the State of Washington, Western Washington Treaty Tribes and the Federal Government agreed to work cooperatively to ensure safe commercial harvests of bivalve shellfish. The Tulalip Tribes Conduct marine water sampling, in conjunction with the Washington Department of Health (WDOH), for the purpose of classifying shellfish growing areas. The Tulalip Tribes will work towards additional steps (such as a certified shellfish lab, assisting with shoreline surveys, and setting sampling stations) to become a Shellfish Control Authority. The Shellfish staff participate in joint quarterly meetings with WDOH, FDA and other tribes. Staff also represent the Northwest Indian Fish Commission at PACRIM and ISSC. In addition, the Shellfish Program is participating in the Shellfish Advisory Committee (SAC) meetings held between the State, shellfish growers, and tribal representatives. The committee was formed to advise WDOH on the concerns of the shellfish industry.