Researchers at the UW are using concrete vibrators to kill pesky shrimp. Why?

Burrowing Shrimp dig into the sand and make tunnels underground. In doing so they kick up about a handful of sand up to the surface everyday, and bury clams and oysters.  That’s a problem for shellfish farmers. Researchers at the University of Washington found a new way to get rid of the pests with the help of concrete vibrators.  Guests:  Jennifer Ruesink, a biology professor at the University of Washington and the senior author of a recent paper on the technique.  Ken Wiegardt, a 5th generation oyster grower with Jolly Roger Oysters in Willapa Bay.  Links:  A new method could help Washington shellfish farmers control a pesky shrimp - UW News  Immobilization of Burrowing Shrimp (Neotrypaea californiensis) by Vibrocompaction as a Pest Control Strategy for Shellfish Farms -  Journal of Shellfish Research Shellfish growers’ request to use neonicotinoid pesticide too risky for Washington’s environment - Department of Ecology of Washington State  Jennifer L. Ruesink - University of Washington See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.