US Government

Puget Sound, WA: (May-15-07) Over eight Washington shellfish growers filed a lawsuit against the federal government over funding and having to share their produce with the government. The suit that has been fought for over 17 years, came to a much awaited end when the government reached a $33 million legal settlement with 17 Puget Sound tribes. The US District Judge's decree echoed the treaties signed between the tribes and the federal government in the 1850's. The suit was prolonged because tribes were entitled to up to half the natural production of commercial shellfish beds, as well as other tidelands. But determining natural production on beaches cultivated and enhanced for decades was a seemingly impossible task. The agreement also covers 22 commercial shellfish beds owned by the state and managed by the Department of Natural Resources. Since most of the commercial shellfish growing areas are located in South Puget Sound and Hood Canal, tribes in those areas will receive the most money. As per the settlement agreement, three tribes south of Tacoma Narrows Bridge will share $15 million; five tribes in Hood Canal and the Strait of Juan de Fuca will share $10 million; and seven tribes in North Puget Sound will share $8 million. [KITSAPSUN: SHELLFISH SETTLEMENT]

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Published on May-16-07