Taylor Shellfish Backs Away From Pesticide Spraying

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.

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, company spokesman Bill Dewey said Friday.

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