Bill > HB1309

This bill addresses the ongoing challenges faced by shellfish farmers in controlling burrowing shrimp infestations in Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor, Washington. The legislation establishes an integrated pest management research program within the Washington State Department of Agriculture to develop effective control methods for burrowing shrimp, which pose significant threats to shellfish farming and marine ecosystems. The program will solicit research proposals from experts in marine biology, agriculture, and related fields, focusing on finding innovative solutions to manage burrowing shrimp populations. A governing board will be created, comprising representatives from state agencies, shellfish growers, processors, the Shoalwater Bay Indian tribe, and other stakeholders, to oversee the research efforts, review proposals, and ensure transparency and accountability. The board will meet quarterly and use a consensus-based decision-making process to guide research funding and strategy. The research is specifically limited to projects aimed at controlling burrowing shrimp in the two designated coastal estuaries, with a clear emphasis on finding practical, sustainable solutions that can help shellfish farmers maintain their operations. The program and governing board are set to expire on July 1, 2035, providing a structured timeframe for addressing this critical environmental and economic issue.