Ebb and Flow is a story about the Yamashitas, a three-generation family, known and loved as pioneers in the Washington’s shellfish industry. Their story spans the early days of the industry, the decline of the native oyster, and the Yamashita family’s instrumental role in introducing Pacific oyster culture. Throughout the decades, while growing their own oysters and clams and enduring various other challenges, the Yamashitas also contended with the struggles of maintaining healthy shellfish beds and keeping pollution at bay. This is a personal story steeped in the natural resources that define this place and framed by the big historic events of the last century, including the two world wars, and the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII. Leaping Frog Films has created a beautiful, well researched, well told story that does honor to the Yamashita family and also gives us a glimpse of a larger community of people working together to hold onto healthy shellfish resources. Jerry Yamashita has been a shining light for many of us, and this film rightly shines a big light on his life’s story.

— Review by Betsy Peabody, Puget Sound Restoration Fund

Ebb and Flow – A Japanese family and an Oyster has had numerous public screenings. Watch the Facebook page for future showings. For more information about this film, see the Leaping Frog Films web site.