NamePauline
LastYu
Emailyup@evergreen.edu
SubjectButter clam shell thinning in the Anthropocene
MessageThere are ongoing anecdotal observations about the thinning of butter clam shells that have been made by tribal members and some documentation by state managers. This observation has repercussions for the use of butter clam shells for Salish tribes as traditional instruments, but also has potential repercussions for the biology of the animals and for the archaeological utility of the species. Currently there is some data collected by DFW in the Hood Canal area, but this has not been studied extensively, and tribal members have expressed concern about the issue at meetings discussing climate change effects. This thesis could go in multiple directions depending on the interests of the student–in developing further story gathering from tribes, in assessing the existing status of shell strength, in examining geographic differences within the species. While there is no evidence that populations are threatened, research on this topic is currently lacking.
This project has no existing funding attached to it, but I could advise students on where to apply for funding should this project have appeal.