Researchers at the UW are using concrete vibrators to kill pesky shrimp. Why?

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 

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