Shellfish Aquaculture Permits Step 8: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Import and Transfer Permitting and Aquatic Farm Registration
Guide to Shellfish Aquaculture Permits in Washington
Import and Transfer Permitting and Aquatic Farm Registration
Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) regulates risks to the health of farmed shellfish populations to prevent the introduction or spread of shellfish diseases and harmful aquatic invasive pests. In support of this mission, WDFW requires permits for importing and transferring shellfish. Approved seed and larvae providers are listed on the WDFW website. You can also email shellfishpermits@dfw.wa.gov for additional guidance.
The cultivation of any aquaculture products requires an Aquatic Farm Registration, which authorizes an individual to commercially manage and farm cultured aquatic products on privately and publicly owned lands. (Revised Code of Washington 77.115.040) (WAC 220-76).
Resources
- Aquatic District Maps
- Shellfish, aquatic invertebrates, seaweed health, and cultivation permitting information
- Aquatic Farm Registration FAQ
- WDFW Shellfish Import Regulations
- Shellfish Transfer In State Permit Application
- Call WDFW Commercial Licensing for more information on Aquatic Farm Registrations: (360) 902-2464
- Washington Shellfish Initiative
Permitting Steps
- Step 1: Scope Your Site
- Step 2: Joint Aquatic Resources Permit Application
- Step 3: Local Government Review
- Step 4: Federal Regulatory Agency Permits and Approvals
- Step 5: State Owned Aquatic Lands Authorization
- Step 6: Tribal Review
- Step 7: Health Shellfish Operator's License Application and Certification
- Step 8: Import and Transfer Permitting and Aquatic Farm Registration
Contact
Teri King
Regional Aquaculture Coordinator - Oregon and Washington
West Coast Region
Office: (360) 207-1724
teri.king@noaa.gov