The Washington Department of Ecology is seeking public comment on an amendment to Snohomish County’s shoreline master program that will clarify future aquaculture along the county’s 33 miles of marine shoreline.
The proposal is part of a settlement agreement between The Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association, Snohomish County and Ecology, as directed by the Central Puget Sound Growth Management Hearings Board.
Changes clarify permit classifications and commercial aquaculture activities in critical saltwater habitats.
They are designed to better define and improve management of commercial aquaculture activities, including processing, and help support the broader initiative to protect and restore Puget Sound.
Under Washington’s 1972 voter-approved Shoreline Management Act, Ecology must review and approve Snohomish County’s proposed shoreline program amendment before it takes effect.
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Press Release, February 17, 2014