Shellfish farming rules to be discussed at Tomales Bay meeting

State regulators, environmentalists and Tomales Bay oyster farm operators are scheduled to discuss regulations for the commercial shellfish industry at a meeting Monday on the shores of the scenic Marin County bay.

State Fish and Game Commission members and Department of Fish and Wildlife officials are inviting the public to attend the meeting at 1 p.m. at the Marconi Conference Center, 18500 Shoreline Highway.

The discussion will focus on developing “best management practices” for California’s commercial shellfish industry.

There are at least six oyster farms operating in Tomales Bay waters.

Richard James, an Inverness activist, said he hopes the regulations will address the widespread litter from oyster operations, including plastic, wood, concrete and iron objects on bay shorelines.

The rule making could also consider minimizing damage to native plants and animals from the oyster operations, he said.

People planning to attend are asked to leave a message at aquaculturematters@wildlife.ca.gov.