WSDA established the office of the shellfish aquaculture coordinator and appointed Laura Butler to the post in 2017. The Shellfish Aquaculture Coordinator is a liaison to the Governor’s Office, other state agencies and external partners. They coordinate efforts within the Washington Shellfish Initiative and co-chair the state's Interagency Permitting Team. They also

• Conduct outreach meetings with growers to understand their challenges. 
• Provide outreach, education and technical assistance to local governments to learn about their processes and helps them better understand the needs of the aquaculture industry.
• Facilitate interagency coordination to streamline regulatory processes and identify areas where rules or regulations are redundant.

• In 2018, Washington shellfish exports totaled $131 million
• The primary export markets were Hong Kong, China, and Canada
• Fresh/live geoduck made up about 80 percent of all shellfish exports in 2018
• Washington shellfish growers generate approximately 2,700 direct and indirect jobs
• Shellfish growers are an important employer in rural communities
• The estimated total direct and indirect economic contribution of Washington shellfish growers in 2010 was $184 million annually

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) seeks proposals to develop an integrated pest management plan to address burrowing shrimp in Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor, and facilitate continued shellfish cultivation.

This is the second request for proposals (RFP) this year for research grants for the burrowing shrimp issue in Southwest Washington.

Earlier this year, the Washington State Legislature approved $650,000 for research grants to assist with the development of an integrated pest management plan to address the ongoing problems burrowing shrimp represent for the region’s shellfish growers and the environment.

WSDA anticipates awarding $350,000 in research grants through this request.

Check the complete RFP for details.