Join MidCoast Watersheds Council for a captivating presentation by Dr. Steven Rumrill, Shellfish Program Leader at ODFW, as he discusses the Olympia oyster, the only oyster native to the North American west coast! Populations of this small oyster historically provided valuable ecosystem benefits in the intertidal and subtidal zones, but overharvesting during the late 1800s decreased the population to a fraction of their historical abundance. Olympia oysters currently only occur in three estuaries in Oregon – Netarts Bay, Yaquina Bay, and Coos Bay – where they are estimated at 1-10% of their historic densities prior to the onset of commercial harvest. Rumrill will discuss the many setbacks of Olympia oyster recovery, and showcase a recent project to experimentally enhance the existing population of Olympia oysters at Coquille Point. Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the world of Olympia oysters and the efforts underway to ensure their survival and flourishing in our coastal ecosystems.

Dr. Steven Rumrill has served as the Shellfish Program Leader for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife since 2011, managing a diverse program encompassing policy development, resource assessment surveys, fisheries, research, and outreach activities for a diverse group of shellfish that inhabit Oregon’s various coastal habitats. Before this, he was the Chief Scientist and Research Coordinator for the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve from 1990 to 2011. Currently, he holds adjunct positions at the University of Oregon, Oregon State University, and Portland State University, conducting research and advising graduate students. Rumrill holds a master's degree in Marine Science from UC Santa Cruz (1984) and a Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of Alberta (1987).