Shellfish Aquaculture Permits Step 7: Health Shellfish Operator's License Application and Certification

Guide to Shellfish Aquaculture Permits in Washington

West Coast

Health Shellfish Operator's License Application and Certification

All shellfish farms that grow for human consumption need an Aquaculture Operation Plan Permit from the Washington State Department of Health (WDOH). See the National Shellfish Sanitation Program Guide for more information. You will need a Washington State Department of Natural Resources lease or a land ownership agreement before WDOH certification can be issued.

NOTE: There are several types of shellfish aquaculture requirements, licenses, and permits that may be needed from the Washington Department of Health including:

Requirements

Additional Licenses and Permits

*Please note that wet storage needs to be approved and permitted by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife using the Shellfish Transfer Permit. You can reach out to shellfishpermits@dfw.wa.gov for additional guidance.