Sea Grant staff shares insights from Indigenous aquaculture summit

At a workshop in August, Joshua Muna, the aquaculture extension assistant of UOG Sea Grant, shared his experiences drawn from his participation in the Salish Summit—a gathering that highlights the significance of tending to tidelands and nurturing the vital connections inherent in Indigenous aquaculture and food sovereignty.  

The event was hosted in the Coast Salish waters by the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, who are from tribes and bands in the northern watersheds of Puget Sound and surrounding coastal areas and islands in Washington state. 

The Aquaculture Collaborative Network and Washington Sea Grant co-hosted the summit, which served as a space for celebrating and perpetuating the values and practices integral to Indigenous communities. 

Muna’s insights from the event underscored the integral role of indigenous aquaculture as a bio-cultural system that flourishes within communities. He said these systems are not just about cultivating sustenance; they hold the key to preserving traditions and ensuring food security.  

Muna shared his experience observing an indigenous mariculture system practiced by the Swinomish at the summit. He described a rock wall designed to trap marine species in the open ocean. As the tide/waves swept in, sediment accumulated in the enclosure, creating an environment conducive to the growth of clams and shellfish. 

Describing the mechanics of this ingenious system, Muna explained, “The rock wall encourages clam and shellfish growth. During low tide, it’s easier to harvest them. This method provides food security by enhancing the bio-density and mass of clams.”  

Muna’s experience extended beyond observation. He took part in a native oyster restoration field trip organized by the Puget Sound Restoration Fund. Established in 1997, the fund is dedicated to revitalizing native marine habitat species in the region, including Olympia oysters, kelp, shellfish, and Dungeness crab.  

During this trip, Muna engaged in preparing for outplanting and gathering essential data for the outplanting of oyster seeds. 

One of the innovative strategies he encountered was upcycling shells. Open shells were repurposed as shelter for native Olympia oysters—an example of how traditional knowledge intertwines with ecological restoration practices.  

The Salish Summit cast a wide net, gathering representation from more than 27 Indigenous communities across British Columbia, Alaska, Hawai’i, Guam, and Puerto Rico. Through shared experiences, insights, and teachings, the event underscored the immense value of preserving Indigenous aquaculture practices, not just for the sake of sustenance, but for the preservation of cultural heritage, identity, and the holistic well-being of communities.