On-Land Aquaculture. When Hilary Franz, Commissioner of Public Lands, announced in 2022 that commercial finfish aquaculture facilities would no longer be allowed to lease state-owned aquatic lands, she also voiced her desire to find solutions for sustainable finfish farms. DNR (Dept. of Natural Resources) recently announced a partnership agreement with Sustainable Blue, a land-based salmon farming company, to identify multiple locations in Washington State for finfish farms that would not require a marine environment. Exploring various locations for finfish farm operations is scheduled to begin this spring. This step is intended to help restore finfish aquaculture and related employment, without putting native salmon at risk. Net pens that collapsed in 2017 off Cypress Island brought a greater awareness of how native salmon are affected by open water finfish facilities. Research proved that other options for finfish facilities were needed.

Sustainable Blue, based in Nova Scotia Canada, has perfected a land-based saltwater system for raising Atlantic Salmon. The system is designed to mirror the complex ecosystem, where salmon start their lives in fresh water and then “migrate” to saltwater. The system is self-contained; 100% of the water is reused and no discharge goes into the ocean. The company states that their salmon look and taste as good as wild salmon.

Derelict Aquatic Structures Bill. Senate Bill 5433 was signed into law by Governor Jay Inslee on May 8th. This legislation gives DNR the authority to remove derelict aquatic structures like unused piers, pilings, and derelict marinas from Washington’s waterways. Industrial areas that most threaten habitat and public safety will likely be first on the list and include:

  • Triton-America Pier in Anacortes
  • Dickman Mill in Tacoma
  • Former High Tides Seafood Pier in Neah Bay
  • Ray’s Boathouse Pier in Ballard

Local governments and nonprofits may use DNR’s expertise to get hazardous structures removed from the State’s waterways. The bill was sponsored by Senator Ron Muzzall and Representative Kristine Reeves, and requested by Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz.

Photo Credit: Sustainable Blue