Aquaculture

We regulate the discharge of wastewater from floating net pen structures that raise salmon. WDFW regulates ecological impacts of marine aquaculture to prevent disease and harmful effects to native fish, and the Washington Department of Natural Resources provides state aquatic land leases.

State guidance on commercial marine net pens

We’re developing guidance to identify the environmental risks and potential impacts to improve oversight of net pens operating in Washington.

Public comment period

We held a public comment period in 2021 on the draft Guidance for Marine Net Pen Aquaculture in Washington state. This document was designed to improve how commercial marine net pens are authorized, overseen, and managed in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound. 

Clams, mussels, and oysters from Washington’s cool, clean waters are prized by residents and others around the world. Commercial shellfish operations are regulated at the local, state, tribal, and federal levels.

Burrowing shrimp control

Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor are experiencing an increasing population of burrowing shrimp. High populations of these native shrimp make tide flats too soft to support traditional shellfish cultivation.

There is currently no permit that allows control of burrowing shrimp in shellfish beds. In 2018, we denied a permit shellfish growers requested that would have allowed them to use imidacloprid, a neonicotinoid pesticide, on oyster beds. This denial is based on the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement that includes comprehensive review of research, data, and analysis on the use of this type of chemical.

Non-native eelgrass (Zostera japonica) management

The Zostera japonica management general permit regulates use of the herbicide imazamox to control this non-native eelgrass on commercial clam beds in Willipa Bay.

The Upland Finfish Hatching and Rearing permit regulates the discharge of wastewater from certain hatcheries that raise salmon, trout, and other finfish species.