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Study materials ready for deployment.

A gorgeous benefit of performing research out in the field.

Using the wristband is simple – slide it on your wrist and go about your day.

Butter Clams (Saxidomus gigantean) are an important cultural food to both the Swinomish and Samish. However, shellfish beds in Fidalgo Bay are underused, given concern regarding two nearby oil refineries.

This work will provide important information regarding risk from consumption of butter clams. By testing the efficacy of the passive samplers, this method could save time and reduce the amount of clams collected at each site.

Sampling in 2003 by the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community found increased levels of toxins in butter clams at Fidalgo Bay Shown above: Samish elders show OSU researchers how to harvest butterclams.

Many thanks to: Jamie Donatuto, PhD-Environmental Health Analyst for Swinomish Tribe; Christine Woodward-Director of the Department of Natural Resources for the Samish Tribe; Diana Rohlman, PhD- Community Outreach and Engagement Coordinator, Photographer; Anna Harding, PhD-Director, Community Engagement Core, Superfund Research Program; Molly Kile, PhD- Co-Director, Community Engagement Core, Superfund Research Program; Kim Anderson, PhD- Professor, Environmental and Molecular Toxicology; and Blair Pauli

Researchers at OSU collaborated with the Swinomish and Samish to analyze environmental samples for contaminants in the butter clams. OSU graduate student Blair Paulik looking for clams

In addition, this research also aims to identify a new testing method to reduce the number of shellfish that are collected during environmental sampling. This method uses passive pore-water samplers.

Evaluating contaminants in shellfish – A collaborative project between the Swinomish, Samish and Oregon State University.

To match the butter clam with the passive samplers, researchers took detailed notes in the field. Here a researcher logs in a butter clam sample (brown glass jar). In the lab, this sample will be matched with an accompanying sediment sample.

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OSU SRP
1011 ALS Building
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR 97331
541-737-6514

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