The Ocean Strategies team has been keeping our ear to the ground regarding all things Washington aquaculture. Our quarterly newsletter, WA Aqua Bites, informs the seafood supply chain of important aquaculture happenings in Washington and beyond. Subscribe to WA Aqua Bites by sending an email here.
The aquaculture industry is a major economic engine of Washington state and helps support the seafood supply chain around the entire country. As commercial fishermen, we’re proud to support the hardworking shellfish and seaweed farmers that make their living on our nation’s working waterfronts.
Ocean Strategies often posts news and opportunities related to the aquaculture industry on our LinkedIn page. Be sure to follow us!
Washington News & Views
WA Department of Health Awards $5.5M to Improve Puget Sound Shellfish Habitats – 11 projects have been funded to restore and protect shellfish habitat in Puget Sound.
Shoreline Planning Competitive Grant Program – Dept. of Ecology announces grant program in 2023-25 biennium supporting climate resilience, improving SMP implementation, and supporting local shoreline planning priorities.
Northwest Aquaculture Alliance (NWAA) Campaigns Against Washington Net-pen Ban – NWAA seeks a repeal of the ban and questions decisions made by Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Hilary Franz.
WA Considering Bill to Ban Octopus Farming – The bill was voted out of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources committee in February and is now being considered this session.
WA State History Found in Oysterville, WA – Oysterville, located in Pacific County, is rich in oyster and Washington history.
Regional News
Alaska: Introducing the Mariculture Research and Restoration Consortium – Funded by the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill (EVOS) Trustee council, this effort will support restoration, habitat enhancement, and economic development through research and partnerships between scientists and seaweed and shellfish farmers.
Opinion: Biden Needs to Help California Fishers in Dispute Over Fish Farms – Op-ed written by a representative from the San Diego Fishermen’s Working Group and Don’t Cage Our Oceans about the proposed Pacific Ocean Aquafarms project off the coast of Southern California.
Virginia: Bill Sent to Gov. Youngkin Would Reward Oyster Shell Recycling – Virginia seeks to incentivize the use of oyster shells in restoration efforts, removing them from landfills.
Fishermen or Farmers – Concerns are being raised regarding proposed CA finfish aquaculture farm.
Maine Votes Down Aquaculture Regulation Bill – Maine legislators rejected a bill that would put additional requirements on land-based aquaculture facilities.
An Update on Five Proposed Maine Aquaculture Projects – Five projects have been proposed in Maine but only one is making progress.Japanese Scallop Technique Being Used in Maine Aquaculture – New techniques and growing interest in aquaculture help scallop industry grow.
Research & Reports
U.S. Consumer Attitudes and Preferences About Domestic Farm-Raised Finfish and Shellfish
Upcoming Events
2023 National Seaweed Symposium
- When: April 24-27, 2023
- Where: Portland, ME
PCSGA’s 77th Annual Shellfish Conference & Trade Show
- When: September 19-21, 2023
- Where: Seaside, OR
