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 …
A myriad of public and private groups have touted the expansion of shellfish aquaculture in Puget Sound as a win-win for the economy and the environment. Because of their ability to filter large amounts of water, bivalves are uniquely positioned as crops that promise to improve water quality while providing …
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 …
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 …