Bill > SB5322

This bill addresses the critical issue of burrowing shrimp infestations in Washington's coastal shellfish farming regions, specifically Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor, by establishing a comprehensive integrated pest management research program. The legislation creates a governing board composed of diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, shellfish growers, processors, tribal representatives, and environmental experts, to oversee research efforts aimed at developing effective control methods for burrowing shrimp. The program will solicit research proposals from experts in marine biology, agriculture, and related fields, with the goal of finding practical solutions that can enhance shellfish farming productivity and protect the marine ecosystem. Researchers will explore various control methods, identify potential funding mechanisms, and provide permitting assistance for shellfish growers. The bill acknowledges that previous pest control methods like carbaryl and imidacloprid have been phased out, leaving growers without effective tools to manage burrowing shrimp populations that can damage shellfish growing areas and disrupt native habitats. The research program is explicitly focused on finding sustainable, innovative approaches to managing burrowing shrimp, with a commitment to transparency, collaboration, and scientific rigor. The governing board will meet quarterly, use consensus-based decision-making, and have the authority to approve research proposals. The program is set to expire on July 1, 2035, providing a structured timeframe for developing and implementing new pest management strategies.