The Squaxin Island Tribe’s Shellfish Department conducted shellfish population surveys on 20 parcels in Hammersley Inlet from June 20th to July 20th 2008.   The surveys focused on naturally occurring beds of Manila clams found in an area that was recently upgraded to “Approved” status for the harvest of commercial shellfish by the Washington State Department of Health.  Once that the surveys are completed the Tribe will work with the tideland owners and the commercial shellfish growers that hold harvest leases to write harvest plans for the joint management and harvest from each tideland parcel.