Washington used to have lots of roads made of oyster shells...used it instead of gravel...what do you mean now that Washington is a major producer? They were extremely important during the gold rush..and during WWII for the military...they have always produced a lot..except for some times when they shut down due to freezes etc. damaging and sometimes destorying their seed oysters...had to change oyster species a couple of times...it is the biggest employer right now in Pacific County Washington....mg