wa-law.org > bill > 2025-26 > HB 1309 > Original Bill
The legislature finds that in 2014, shellfish growers were dealt a significant setback when they lost their primary tool for controlling burrowing shrimp infestations in coastal estuaries. Burrowing shrimp in high densities pose a significant threat to shellfish farming operations and the surrounding aquatic ecosystem, causing damage to shellfish growing areas, negatively impacting productivity, and eliminating the growth of native eelgrass which provides essential habitat for salmonids and Dungeness crab, among other species.
In addition, the legislature finds that since 1963, a control method developed in collaboration with the Washington state department of fish and wildlife had been effectively utilized. However, the phased-out use of carbaryl and the denial of a permit to use imidacloprid by the Washington state department of ecology left growers without crucial pest control measures. Burrowing shrimp infestations on shellfish grounds has led to a reduction in growing operations due to the absence of an effective control tool, and despite persistent efforts a viable alternative remains elusive.
To address this ongoing crisis, the legislature intends to create an ongoing research program within the Washington state department of agriculture and fund research into new and innovative control methods for burrowing shrimp infestations. To support this program, the legislature intends to secure dedicated funding in the amount of $2,000,000 each biennium from the model toxics control act account.
The department of agriculture shall establish and administer an integrated pest management research program that focuses on addressing the impacts of burrowing shrimp on bottom culture shellfish farming. The program must work towards the following objectives:
Support and recommend funding for research efforts focused on enhancing the resilience and productivity of shellfish farming and the marine ecosystem in the face of burrowing shrimp infestations.
Facilitate and enhance collaboration between researchers, shellfish farmers, regulatory agencies, and relevant stakeholders to ensure permanent, practical, and effective solutions.
To accomplish its objectives, the program must do the following:
Solicit researchers with expertise in marine biology, agriculture, ecology, engineering, and related fields to submit proposals for burrowing shrimp control research projects.
Identify and provide ground for controlled research that explores diverse control methods including both chemical and mechanical control.
Identify funding mechanisms for future equipment needs based on tool and technology development.
Provide permitting assistance for shellfish growers to use identified control methods.
The governing board created in section 3 of this act is responsible for reviewing research proposals, ensuring transparency and accountability in implementing the program, and directing the department of agriculture on the expenditure of research grant funds.
Research expenditures may only be spent on projects that support control of burrowing shrimp in Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor. Any control method that has been demonstrated as ineffective in past studies is not eligible for funding.
The director of the department of agriculture, in collaboration with legislators representing legislative districts that border the Pacific Ocean and an association that supports oyster growers in the Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor region, shall establish a governing board consisting of representatives from the following entities to oversee the research program established in section 2 of this act:
One member each from the departments of agriculture, ecology, natural resources, fish and wildlife, and commerce, and the state conservation commission;
Five shellfish growers of varying sizes located in the Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor region;
Two shellfish processors located in the Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor region;
Shoalwater Bay Indian tribe;
The executive director of an association supporting oyster growers in the Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor region;
One member representing a nonprofit organization that develops and disseminates scientific and technical shellfish-related environmental and health and safety information; and
One member from an ecosystem-based management collaborative in the Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor area, to serve in an ex officio capacity.
The governing board must identify an objective and effective facilitator to moderate meetings and serve as an additional ex officio member.
Members of the governing board must have a clear stake or vested interest in the preservation and sustainability of the shellfish industry, be knowledgeable about the impacts of burrowing shrimp on shellfish farming, and have a special interest in identifying tools to control burrowing shrimp with an emphasis on bottom culture shellfish farming.
The governing board must meet monthly and implement discussion parameters to ensure productive and efficient meetings that focus on bottom culture shellfish farming in coastal estuaries. The governing board must establish a consensus decision-making process whereby the participants develop and decide on proposals with the goal of achieving broad acceptance. In the absence of consensus on any proposal before the governing board, the proposal may be approved by a simple majority of appointed governing board members.
Governing board members are eligible for reimbursement for subsistence, lodging, and travel expenses incurred in the performance of their duties pursuant to RCW 43.03.050.
The burrowing shrimp research account is created in the custody of the state treasurer. All receipts from legislative transfers, gifts, grants, and federal funds must be deposited into the account. It is the intent of the legislature to appropriate in the omnibus appropriations act $2,000,000 per biennium from the model toxics control operating account into the burrowing shrimp research account. Expenditures from the account may be used only for the burrowing shrimp research program. Only the director of the department of agriculture or the director's designee may authorize expenditures from the account. The account is subject to allotment procedures under chapter 43.88 RCW, but an appropriation is not required for expenditures.
(1) Money in the treasurer's trust fund may be deposited, invested, and reinvested by the state treasurer in accordance with RCW 43.84.080 in the same manner and to the same extent as if the money were in the state treasury, and may be commingled with moneys in the state treasury for cash management and cash balance purposes.
(1) Money in the treasurer's trust fund may be deposited, invested, and reinvested by the state treasurer in accordance with RCW 43.84.080 in the same manner and to the same extent as if the money were in the state treasury, and may be commingled with moneys in the state treasury for cash management and cash balance purposes.
Section 5 of this act expires July 1, 2030.
Section 6 of this act takes effect July 1, 2030.
Sections 1 through 4 and 6 of this act expire July 1, 2035.