Tuesday, February 22, 2011

State requires shoreline programs to incorporate geoduck farming standards

Commercial geoduck farms operating on public and private beaches will come under increased scrutiny as the result of new rules adopted by the Washington Department of Ecology. The rules direct cities and counties to incorporate new aquaculture standards as they update their local shoreline master programs. In Kitsap County, such updates are taking place at the county level as well as in all four incorporated cities.

"Aquaculture should not be permitted in areas where it would result in a net loss of ecological functions, adversely impact eelgrass and macroalgae, or significantly conflict with navigation and other water-dependent uses," states the rule adopted by Ecology. Geoduck farms typically protect tiny geoduck clams by growing them inside vertical plastic pipes embedded in the beach. The new rules specifically state that such farms should be allowed only in areas where significant clearing or grading is unnecessary. Read more ...

This blog is written by Martin Little The Aquaculturists, published and supported by the International Aquafeed Magazine from Perendale Publishers.

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