Aquaculture

WSDA established the office of the shellfish aquaculture coordinator and appointed Laura Butler to the post in 2017. The Shellfish Aquaculture Coordinator is a liaison to the Governor’s Office, other state agencies and external partners and co-chairs the state's Interagency Permitting Team. They also

• Conduct outreach meetings with growers to understand their challenges. 
• Provide outreach, education and technical assistance to local governments to learn about their processes and helps them better understand the needs of the aquaculture industry.
• Facilitate interagency coordination to streamline regulatory processes and identify areas where rules or regulations are redundant.

• In 2018, Washington shellfish exports totaled $131 million
• The primary export markets were Hong Kong, China, and Canada
• Fresh/live geoduck made up about 80 percent of all shellfish exports in 2018
• Washington shellfish growers generate approximately 2,700 direct and indirect jobs
• Shellfish growers are an important employer in rural communities
• The estimated total direct and indirect economic contribution of Washington shellfish growers in 2010 was $184 million annually

Check back here for future funding opportunities for integrated pest management plans to address burrowing shrimp in Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor.