Of the shellfish industry, by the shellfish industry, for the shellfish industry

Harstene Island geoduck net

To All Interested in Requiring Regulations for Aquaculture,
The Department of Ecology has determined that aquaculture/geoduck rulemaking (HB2220--Citizen requested) may be deferred based on their interpretation of the Governor's order to suspend non-critical rule development. The rulemaking should go forward now and the following statement that you will find on page 8 of the initial determination list---- is not acceptable and should be removed from their initial determination list document:

"Geoduck aquaculture is an acceptable use of state shorelines. This rulemaking is designed to address conflicts between the industry and others over aquaculture operations. It will provide critical information to Puget Sound communities undergoing shoreline master program updates now."

Ecology does not have an EIS or even completed SeaGrant science to state that geoduck aquaculture is an acceptable use. It is also not just about conflict, but the destruction of nearshore and the elimination of our native species. This rulemaking certainly does fit the Governor's criteria #d as shown below:

" Rule making proceedings are non-critical unless the rule is:
a. required by federal or state law or required to maintain federally delegated or authorized programs;
b. required by court order;
c. necessary to manage budget shortfalls, maintain fund solvency, or for revenue generating activities;
d. necessary to protect public health, safety, and welfare or necessary to avoid an immediate threat to the state’s natural resources; or
e. beneficial to or requested or supported by the regulated entities, local governments or small businesses that it affects."

Send comments to rulemaking@ecy.wa.gov.