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Geoduck Aquaculture

The 2007 Washington State Legislature passed SSHB 2220 relating to shellfish aquaculture.
This bill:

• Commissions a series of intertidal geoduck aquaculture scientific research studies to be led by Washington Sea Grant.
• Creates a Shellfish Aquaculture Regulatory Committee with members representing a wide range of perspectives.
• Directs Ecology to develop Shoreline Master Program guidelines for geoduck aquaculture operation siting and operation.
• Directs the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife to expand the information required for aquatic farm registration.

News:

The US Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service have released their Biological Opinions on the Corps of Engineers Nationwide Permit #48, Existing Shellfish Aquaculture. These documents can be found here:

• USFWS
• NMFS

Ecology decides Pierce County shoreline amendment

The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) issued a decision on Pierce County’s interim aquaculture regulations. Ecology accepted most of the county’s proposed standards with some exceptions. Particularly, Ecology rejected language that would have restricted the hours of operation and limited planting and harvest areas for the shellfish industry to use. View entire Press Release (pdf)

• View Decision document (pdf)

Additional Information

• HB 2220 Complete Text (PDF)
• Shellfish Aquaculture Permit Summary Flowchart (PDF)