SEATTLE — Washington state’s largest shellfish producer says it is bowing to public pressure and will not use a pesticide recently approved to control a native burrowing shrimp that makes it hard for oysters to grow.
The state Department of Ecology approved the pesticide’s use on Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor, despite concerns raised by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and others about possible harm to other species.
Company spokesman Bill Dewey said Friday that Taylor Shellfish Farms decided not to spray its oyster beds after getting a stream of calls from customers and the public concerned about the spraying plan.
Dewey said the company still believes the science is solid and that the use won’t harm the bay but is listening to its customers.
The permit issued to a group of about two dozen oyster growers would allow up to 2,000 acres a year to be sprayed.
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