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.
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
- Shellfish aquaculture opponents target “letters of permission” in Washington – Opponents of aquaculture are questioning the Army Corps use of letters of permission to permit shellfish farms in Washington State.
- Washington State’s net pen ban ruled to have no legal effect – A judge indicated that the finfish farming is not illegal in Washington as previously believed.
- Shoreline Hearings Board rules in favor of kelp farm – Pacific Sea Farms permit upheld but likely to be appealed.
- Healthy Slurping – WA Department of Health blog post about water quality and shellfish.
- Shelton residents push back against proposed Taylor Shellfish oyster farm in Oakland Bay – Taylor Shellfish’s proposed farm in Mason County has received approval from the county Hearing Examiner and awaits next steps in review process.
- Effort to revive Olympia oyster begins in Dyes Inlet – A barge full of oyster shells is the beginning of a multi-year restoration effort.
Regional News
- NOAA seeks public comment on potential aquaculture opportunity areas in Alaska. A final webinar-based Listening Session will be held on December 11 and all comments and information is due by December 18.
- [CALL for PRESENTATIONS] 2024 Mariculture Conference of Alaska – Alaska’s 3rd annual mariculture conference is seeking proposals for this February 2024 conference. Proposals are due Friday, December 1.
National News
- Aquaculture Policy and Possibilities (podcast) – NOAA’s Dr. Michael Rubino speaks about the importance of U.S. aquaculture.
- National Science Foundation awards grant to protect aquaculture industry, coastal communities – $1M will support effort to continuously monitor water quality and detect pathogens for farmers and consumers.
Upcoming Events
- Aquaculture America 2024 – San Antonio, TX – February 18-21, 2024
- 3rd Annual Mariculture Conference of Alaska – Anchorage, AK – February 26-29, 2024
