Aquaculture for all

Aquaculture Bill Addressing Shellfish Concerns Approved

Environment Economics Politics +3 more

US - The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee has approved Republican Larry Seaquists (D-Gig Harbor) Bill (HB 1894), which would address some concerns with shellfish farming.

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“I’m focused on three ‘healthies’ – a healthy shellfish industry, a healthy Puget Sound to grow shellfish, and a healthy relationship between growers and our neighbours,” Mr Seaquist said.


The Bill addresses to key areas of concern in the industry:

  • New research is needed with rapid changes in shellfish farming practices and our common need to assure the long-term health of Puget Sound. The bill would task our SeaGrant research consortium with a fresh round of comprehensive research. Experts will conduct research that will focus on issues of concern to citizens, regulators, and shellfish farmers.
  • Shellfish farming often raises questions by neighbours about the environmental impact and, occasionally, a disturbance in quiet neighborhood – those concerns demand that increased information and an improved compliance & compliant process be available to the general public.

The bill was introduced as a low-cost, highly effective response to those two key concerns with shellfish farming.

“This is not a pro or con shellfish bill,” said Mr Seaquist. “My main concerns are to gather high-quality research to help us make better decisions and to give our neighbours better tools to express their concerns.”

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