While no binding laws surrounding shoreline or ocean use exist at a regional level, governors from Washington, Oregon and California have formed the West Coast Governor’s Alliance for Ocean Health. Currently the Alliance focuses on securing funding for environmental assessments and mapping projects rather than transforming legislation (a notable …
As part of the 2010 Marine Waters Planning and Management Act, Washington State is currently developing a Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) for all coastal waters. The State Ocean Caucus spent the first two years of development compiling human use and environmental data into an interactive GIS map and gathering public …
In 2011, Washington Governor Chris Gregoire announced a $4.5 million state-federal initiative to advance shellfish production in Puget Sound. Many people were skeptical of because they did not believe that the intitiative would be as beneficial as they first suspected. The NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) disagrees, saying that, …
As a part of a complex marine ecosystem, shellfish provide several functions. In the food web, they serve as food for carnivores, like crabs, in nearshore habitats. Their larvae also provide food to a variety of fishes. For human benefit as an ecosystem service, oysters filter the water in which …
The economy of the Pacific Northwest is fueled by its natural resources and ability to trade. The shellfish industry is very important to the economy in Western Washington communities. Washington’s shellfish production is far greater than the other shellfish farming areas in the United States. In 2000 it was estimated …
Oyster farmers in Washington State (Puget Sound, Willapa Bay, and Grays Harbor) can either buy or lease aquatic land (Tidelands) upon which they can operate. The leases fall under the 1984 Aquatic Lands Act. The act hoped to manage the lands and resources in ways that protect the environment while …
Washington’s aquaculture industry is highly regulated. The permitting process can take over a year and renewals can cost from $250 to over $1,000 annually. Several state and federal departments are involved, making the process disjointed. (Washington State Dept. of Ecology) Additionally, shellfish farms must be approved by local governments under …