Projects > Manzanita

Manzanita Bay is located on the western shore of Bainbridge Island, 2.3 miles south of Agate Pass Bridge. The bay is protected in most winds and provides a peaceful and quiet anchorage, making it a favorite gunkhole spot for recreational boaters. The beauty of the bay has also brought many people to settle on its shorelines as year round residents. Amid the boaters and local inhabitants, there is a healthy population of littleneck clams and native Olympia oysters that thrive in the near perfect mix of sand, cobble and silt substrate.

This abundant shellfish resource is something that should be revered and enjoyed by visitors and residents alike. However, our ability to enjoy this resource is threatened by bacterial contamination and nutrient pollution. This is a result of ageing septic systems, pet waste, boat waste, and other fertilizers. Due to these possible sources of contamination and the lack of flushing in the bay, Manzanita is designated as “unclassified” by the department of health. This rating is one step away from the “prohibited” designation, meaning you are not allowed to harvest shellfish from this area.

Puget Sound Restoration Fund is working in conjunction with Suquamish Tribe, City of Bainbridge, Bainbridge Watershed Council, Washington State Department of Health and Sustainable Bainbridge to address these sources of pollution and upgrade this area to a “conditionally approved” shellfish area.

• Offer education and incentives for homeowners to voluntarily sign up for annual operation and maintenance programs for their septic systems.
• Create signage for recreational boaters – alerting them to the sensitive shellfish resources in the area – and educating them about where to pump out their vessel.
• Annual shellfish gala event inviting local residents to come eat shellfish and learn how to be better stewards of their land.