UH-Hilo, Navy using oysters to boost water quality - Hawaii Tribune-Herald

The U.S. Navy, Oahu Waterkeeper and PACRC joined forces earlier this year to use native species of shellfish to improve water clarity and quality in Pearl Harbor estuary.

According to a news release issued in February from UH-Hilo, the project builds on a successful feasibility study conducted by the state Department of Land and Natural Resource Division of Aquatic Resources, using Pacific oysters, a non-native species, as a tool to improve clarity and quality of waters within Pearl Harbor.

While the Pacific oyster survives and grows well in Pearl Harbor, and it may continue to be used for bioremediation, the new project will focus on native shellfish species because of their deep cultural significance.

The first spat of native oysters was deposited in Pearl Harbor in early June.

PACRC director Maria Haws said the center teamed up with Waterkeeper, an environmental organization that works to protect bodies of water, about two years ago after the first Hawaii chapter was established.