Ecology Blogs
State provides new guidance for commercial marine fish net pens
After a multi-year effort to improve how commercial marine finfish net pens are managed in Washington, the state has adopted new guidance for facilities operating in Puget Sound.
To manage risk, the guidance identifies specific practices and safeguards industry should follow to reduce fish escapes and avoid adverse impacts to critical and sensitive habitat, fish and fish health, shellfish, water quality and wildlife.
The state departments of Agriculture, Ecology, Fish and Wildlife and Natural Resources jointly developed the guidance. The four agencies have permitting, leasing or regulatory roles overseeing marine net pen aquaculture.
The agencies collected the latest science, data and information about current risks and best practices to inform state and local oversight of Puget Sound net pens. Public feedback was also incorporated.
To read more about the new commercial marine finfish net pen aquaculture guidance, visit our website.