Shellfish, aquatic invertebrate, and seaweed health and cultivation permitting

For further information please contact:

shellfishpermits@dfw.wa.gov

Katy Davis - Researcher/Unit Lead
katherine.davis@dfw.wa.gov

Nam Siu - Permit Coordinator
nam.siu@dfw.wa.gov

Matt Hoehn - Field Coordinator/Lead Inspector
matthew.hoehn@dfw.wa.gov

Reed Stevens - Field Inspector
mailto:reed.stevens@dfw.wa.gov

Who needs a shellfish import permit: Anyone seeking to import or possess live aquatic invertebrates from outside the state of Washington into the state. This includes but is not limited to aquatic invertebrates (other than insects) intended for aquaculture, research, public or personal display, or education. This excludes shellfish considered market-ready, intended for immediate human consumption and not intended to be placed into or to come into contact with state waters. Note that there are restrictions on importing certain species and from certain source locations. 

Who needs a shellfish transfer permit: Anyone wishing to transfer shellfish, shellfish aquaculture products (such as seed, cultch, and shell), aquaculture equipment (such as vessels and vehicles) or any marine organisms adversely affecting shellfish, into or contacting state waters. This includes but is not limited to shellfish aquaculture activities like broodstock movement, wet storage, placement of cultch, placement or sale of shellfish seed; and transfer of invertebrates for research, education, monitoring, or display. This excludes shellfish that are market ready, intended for immediate human consumption, and which will not be placed into or come into contact with state waters. 

Who needs a marine plant import permit: Anyone seeking to import live kelp, seaweed, or other marine plant aquaculture products destined for contact with state waters (directly or indirectly). 

When in doubt, reach out. Help Safeguard Our Shellfish and check in with WDFW to see if you need a permit before moving shellfish, shells, in-water equipment, or marine plants. See our contact information.

Import permits from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife are required for the import of live shellfish from waters or facilities outside the State of Washington. This includes, but is not limited to, shellfish for aquaculture, research or display purposes.  Shellfish which are market ready and do not come into contact with state waters do not require a permit, but are not allowed to contact state waters (including indirectly via flow-through systems). Some organisms or imports from certain source locations may be eligible for import into WDFW-approved quarantine only. Applications for import into quarantine facilities must be accompanied by a facility biosecurity plan, photo documentation of the facility, research plan (if research-related), and a facility site plan (unless these documents are already on file with WDFW). 

Import permits will include conditions to ensure that diseases, pests and invasive species do not enter the State’s waters. Permits may be modified or revoked upon a finding of an aquatic disease or pest or upon determination of violation of the conditions of a permit. (RCW 77.15.350)

Application forms and reference materials

• Shellfish import permit application form:  PDF (PDF) | MS Word (DOC)
  • Current WDFW shellfish import requirements for aquaculture (PDF)(Updated 2023)
• Shellfish Import Advisory Committee

2024 WDFW-approved out-of-state shellfish providers for aquaculture (Updated 11/27/2024)

See below for list of approved in-state shellfish providers.

PO=Pacific oyster (Magallana gigas); MC=Manila clam (Venerupis philippinarum); KO=Kumamoto oyster (Crassostrea sikamea); GE=geoduck (Panopea generosa); MM=Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis); EO=Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica)

This list is intended to advise potential shellfish seed and larvae buyers for aquaculture use in Washington waters. The facilities listed above are considered currently approved by WDFW to ship live shellfish seed or larvae to Washington for aquaculture purposes, having met all of WDFW's import requirements as of the date the table was last updated. An absence of a facility from this list indicates that the facility has not met, or has not yet met (approval could be in process) all of the requirements for the current year; this list only includes seed and larvae imports. It is unlawful to import live shellfish for aquaculture purposes from facilities that have not met WDFW requirements and thus do not have a current import permit. It is unlawful to import shellfish species/life stages not specifically listed in the "Approved species" column from these providers.  Aquaculture includes commercial and non-commercial uses (such as shellfish gardening). It is possible that this list is not current from time to time; it is recommended that potential shellfish import applicants contact WDFW for information. "Native species guidelines" column indicates whether company meets WDFW guidelines for managing genetic risk to native species, including use of only wild, Washington-sourced broodstock and annual broodstock replacement.

International Imports

In addition to WDFW Shellfish Import Permits, imports coming from outside of the United States also require review and approval from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. It is the responsibility of the importer and recipient to obtain all applicable local, state, and federal permits prior to importing. Please see following website for information on U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's import process: Information for Importers & Exporters | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (fws.gov)

ATTENTION: Shellfish transfer permit applicants seeking to transfer shellstock from areas of known or suspected European green crab presence to areas considered free of green crab should expect permit condition requirements designed to manage risk of transfer of green crab. As of 2022, this now includes Hood Canal. Permit conditions may consist of various extra washing and containment procedures, chlorine treatment, and/or others depending on the proposed transfer. A map can be found under "More information" below.  

Transfer permits from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife are required for the  transfer of shellfish, shellfish aquaculture products (including oyster seed, cultch and shell), aquaculture equipment (including aquaculture vehicles and vessels) or any marine organisms adversely affecting shellfish.  Shellfish Transfer Permits include conditions that eliminate or reduce the risk of transferring marine pests, such as oyster drills and European green crabs, from one body of water to another.  Certain areas are identified as oyster drill areas (WAC 220-340-130 and 220-340-140). Transfer permit conditions document transfer vehicles, cleaning and disposal methods, inspection needs, and other preventative measures.

Application forms and reference materials

Shellfish transfer permit application form:  PDF (PDF) | MS Word

Shellfish transfer permit application form for wet storage:  PDF (PDF) | MS Word

• WDFW Transfer Permit Supplemental Information and Guide (PDF)

European Green Crab Restricted Shellfish Areas

• WDFW European Green Crab restricted shellfish area interactive web map  
• WDFW European Green Crab restricted shellfish area map (January 2023) (downloadable)

Oyster Drill Restricted Shellfish Areas

• Washington state oyster drill restricted shellfish areas interactive web map
• Washington state oyster drill restricted shellfish area locations (downloadable)
• Washington state oyster drill restricted shellfish areas maps (PDF) (downloadable)

Click "More information" below for information on European green crabs, Japanese oyster drills, sea stars, and more. 

2024 WDFW-approved in-state shellfish hatcheries and nurseries

Up to date as of: 11/27/24

PO=Pacific oyster (Magallana gigas); MC=Manila clam (Venerupis philippinarum); KO=Kumamoto oyster (Crassostrea sikamea); GE=geoduck (Panopea generosa); MM=Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis); EO=Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica)

This list is intended to advise potential shellfish seed and larvae buyers for aquaculture use in Washington waters. This list is not an indication that listed companies are offering product for sales, but rather an indication of facilities that are considered currently approved by WDFW to transfer live shellfish seed, larvae, or juveniles within state waters for aquaculture purposes, having met all of WDFW's transfer requirements as of the date the table was last updated. An absence of a facility from this list indicates that the facility has not met, or has not yet met (approval could be in process) all of the requirements for the current year. It is unlawful to transfer live shellfish for aquaculture purposes from facilities that have not met WDFW requirements and thus do not have a current transfer permit. It is unlawful to transfer shellfish species/life stages not specifically listed in the "Approved species" column from these providers.  Aquaculture includes commercial and non-commercial uses (such as shellfish gardening). It is possible that this list is not current from time to time or that previously-approve producers have not yet applied for or received their WDFW permits; it is recommended that potential shellfish import applicants contact WDFW for information. "Native species guidelines" column indicates whether company meets WDFW guidelines for managing genetic risk to native species, including use of only wild, Washington-sourced broodstock and annual broodstock replacement.

The importation and transfer of kelp and other marine plants is regulated under:

• "Marine plant" definition: WAC 220-370-050
• WAC 220-370-220 (Marine plant aquaculture disease control)
• WAC 220-370-230 (Kelp importation—Permit required—Disease control)

The importation of kelp, other seaweeds, and any other marine plants requires an Import Permit.  For the import of marine plants, please complete and submit a Shellfish Import Permit application. Note that there are currently no out of state seaweed/kelp hatcheries approved for import of seaweed for aquaculture purposes into Washington. All seaweed "seed" material must be provided by an in-state facility.

There are some restrictions on the transfer of marine plants within the state. It is unlawful to transfer marine plant aquaculture products between any of the following geographic areas without having first obtained a transfer permit: Columbia River; Pacific Ocean waters; Willapa Harbor; Grays Harbor; Puget Sound. No transfer permit is necessary for transfer within any of the geographic regions described above.  If a permit is required for the transfer of marine plants, please complete and submit a Shellfish Transfer Permit application. 

Some organisms or imports from certain source locations may be eligible for import into WDFW-approved quarantine only. WDFW approves two types of quarantine: isolation quarantine, and terminal quarantine. Organisms imported into isolation quarantine may in some cases be eligible for eventual upgrade and removal from quarantine. Organisms placed into terminal quarantine must remain in quarantine permanently. The type of quarantine required may depend on the organism, the source location, the intended use, and the specific risk being managed. Most quarantine situations are considered terminal quarantine. Examples of sectors utilizing quarantine include research, display (including aquariums and educational facilities), and aquaculture. 

Applications for import into quarantine facilities must be accompanied by a facility biosecurity plan, photo documentation of the facility, research plan (if research-related), and a facility site plan (unless these documents are already on file with WDFW). All quarantine facilities must be approved by WDFW and come with an inspection requirement. 

WDFW's biosecurity principles are to ensure that organisms and systems requiring quarantine are completely isolated from other, non-quarantine organisms and systems and critically, from state waters. The following is a partial list of items WDFW expects to be established and maintained for approvable quarantine facilities; specific requirements will depend on the facility, the organisms being held, the location, and the intended use of quarantine:

• Facility must be secure, with access limited to trained and authorized personnel (e.g. locked doors, clear and durable signage, training requirements);
• Facility must be equipped to prevent contamination (including facility water) from entering or exiting (e.g. foot baths, sealed drains, sealed floor-wall junctions, berms, treatment of effluent, cleaning protocols);
• Facility must have its own dedicated tools, equipment, and cleaning supplies which will not be used in other, non-quarantine facilities;
• Facility must have contingency plans in place in case of spill or loss of power (e.g. berms or other secondary containment, sealed drains and floor-wall junctions, cleaning protocols, back-up power, location away from state waters, backup power, emergency contact);
• Organism, packaging, and water disposal requirements;
• Staff, intern, and/or volunteer education/training;
• Reporting requirements

For more information, contact WDFW.

European green crabs

Image

Photo by WDFW

• European green crab species webpage including updates, reports and resources
• European green crab identification and public reporting
• European green crab interactive online hub
• Crabs of Washington identification guide (PDF)
• Washington Sea Grant Crab Team

Invasive oyster drills

• Japanese oyster drill species page
• Eastern oyster drill species page

Shellfish disease information

• Washington Invasive Species Council Infectious Shellfish Diseases /Worst Invaders
• Synopsis of Infectious Diseases and Parasites of Commercially-Exploited Shellfish (Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada)
• Pamphlets on Infectious Diseases and Parasites of Shellfish (International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES))

Other non-native pest organisms

• Shell-boring worms: anything but a dull subject (PDF)
• Ahnfeltiopsis flabelliformis algae found in Quilcene Bay (PDF), Hood Canal
• Guide to crayfish identification in the Pacific Northwest (PDF)

WDFW shellfish disease control advisory

• Washington Shellfish Import Advisory Committee

Sea star collections and transfers

A mass mortality event affected many species of sea stars along the west coast of North America from 2013-2017.  The causative agent of mortality is still unknown and an active area of research. Sea star die-offs and symptoms of what is now referred to as Sea Star Wasting Syndrome (SSWS), continue to occur throughout Washington and along the Pacific coast of North America. The progression of symptoms associated with SSWS can be rapid, resulting in death within a few days. The effects are devasting on sea star populations and have been documented in over 20 species. The sunflower star, Pycnopodia helianthoides, a large, abundant, and ecologically important species, is estimated to have declined by more than 60-90% across its range.  It is now proposed for listing as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). For more information, including on the species of sea stars affected, SSWS symptoms, and efforts to document the prevalence and ecosystem effects of SSWS please visit: Sea Star Wasting Syndrome | MARINe (ucsc.edu). You can also report observations of healthy and SSWS-affected sea stars to MARINe and iNaturalist.

To prevent the spread of SSWS and the introduction of novel diseases or disease-variants to sea stars, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is not permitting the collection or movement of sea stars in WA until additional information is available. WDFW recognizes the value of sea star collections for education, conservation, and research purposes and may consider allowing collections and movements under special conditions. Importantly, these conditions will restrict the geography of collections and transfers, except into closed-system facilities where effluent does not contact state waters unless it is adequately disinfected. Additional conditions will apply on a case-by-case basis. For more information please visit: Scientific Collection Permits | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife and contact scp@dfw.wa.gov for inquiries. To begin evaluation of your facility for potential approval, contact shellfishpermits@dfw.wa.gov.

Biosecurity

• WDFW's Invasive Species Management and Decontamination Protocol
• The USDA has a useful biosecurity training module for understanding biosecurity risks and how to manage them.  
• USFW's Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point Planning to Prevent the Spread of Invasive Species

Outreach and Education

• Safeguard Our Shellfish "Micro-invaders" Washington Invasive Species Awareness Week presentation (PDF) (Powerpoint)
• Safeguard Our Shellfish "Micro-invaders" Washington Invasive Species Awareness Week presentation (YouTube video)

Treaty rights information

• Commercial Harvesting and Cultivating on Private Land (PDF)

WDFW must permit the transfer or import of live shellfish into wet storage--including for on-beach, in-water (e.g. sink float), and upland or dockside tank/cage/barrel facilities. The movement of live shellfish is one way in which disease-causing shellfish pathogens or pests can be introduced or spread, which is why WDFW regulations require a Shellfish Transfer Permit for movement of shellfish into or around state waters¹. The movement of shellfish into wet storage sites and facilities also requires a permit, and wet storage facilities—from on-beach sites to flow-through tanks and in-water structures—all require approval and permitting from WDFW (not just the Department of Health). Among WDFW’s current concerns are the expansion of international trade of live shellfish (including the recent addition of Spain and the Netherlands to the list of approved countries), resulting in imported live seafood to our state, and the expanding range of harmful European green crab in our waters.

The operation of a wet storage site or facility without a permit and approval from WDFW is unlawful. It is also unlawful to place imported live shellfish into state waters or into wet storage facilities within or discharging to state waters without approval from WDFW. It is critical that no live imported shellfish are placed into wet storage in order to protect our waters and shellfish populations from potential diseases arriving with imported shellfish.

WDFW has been reminding shellfish facility operators of transfer and import permitting requirements for wet storage of shellfish in live holding facilities, including with a July 2024 letter to state licensed shellfish buyers, dealers (PDF), and other wet storage operators (PDF). 

Please see our wet storage FAQ (PDF) for more information.

Contact WDFW to engage on requirements and permitting. Among the information WDFW will be interested in is the location of wet storage both geographically and in relation to state waters, whether the site/facility is connected to state waters (e.g. in-water, untreated flow-through vs. closed recirculation), what species of shellfish are to be held, and the origins of the shellfish to be held. This requirement applies to all shellfish defined in WAC 220-320-010.

How much does a Shellfish Transfer Permit or Shellfish Import Permit cost? How long does it take to receive a permit?

There is no fee associated with Shellfish Transfer or Shellfish Import permits. Import permits may require a shellfish health screen, which has a cost. Health screens are provided by third parties---please see Current WDFW shellfish import requirements for aquaculture (PDF)for a list of approved laboratories.

Permit turnaround time, from application to issuance, varies. Permit applications involving the creation of a new shellfish bed or enhancement of an existing one require opportunity for tribal review per the Shellfish Implementation Plan as part of U.S. v Washington. Tribal review is 20 working days, or about 4 weeks. WDFW is generally able to ship permits immediately following tribal review, assuming applications are complete and all information needed to develop a permit has been provided by the applicant. Other permits are generally issued within 2-4 weeks. Please note that incomplete applications or application needing further information may delay permit issuance. 

I purchase shellfish seed from a WDFW-permitted shellfish hatchery/nursery to spread on my beach. Do I also need a permit?

WDFW issues "provider" shellfish transfer and import permits to approved hatcheries and nurseries (such as FLUPSYs) in Washington and some in California, Oregon, Hawaii, and Alaska (all approved out-of-state facilities are listed here). Facilities with a provider transfer or import permit must provide seed/larvae customers with a copy of their permit, which must be carried with the shellfish while those shellfish are in your possession. Such customers are not required to have their own permit, since the providing facilities have been vetted and approved.

Example: A.) a hobby shellfish farmer ("Jane") buys Pacific oyster seed to grow oysters non-commercially on her backyard tidelands for personal consumption from a WDFW-approved shellfish hatchery in Hood Canal. The shellfish hatchery must provide Jane with a copy of their transfer permit authorizing those sales so that Jane can transfer the seed to her tidelands. Jane provides her information to the hatchery, which they later report to WDFW as part of standard permitting requirements, but Jane does not need to apply for her own permit; B.) Joe is a commercial clam farmer. He purchases commercial quantities of Manila clams from a WDFW-approved FLUPSY in South Sound. The FLUPSY operator must provide Joe a copy of their transfer permit and record his information for later reporting to WDFW, but Joe does not need his own shellfish transfer permit; C. Big Oyster Co. wishes to transfer wild-caught Pacific oyster seed they collected on cultch on some Hood Canal tidelands to their farm site in Hammersley inlet. Big Oyster Co. does need a shellfish transfer permit from WDFW. 

Do I need a permit from WDFW for temporary wet storage of shellfish? 

Yes, WDFW must permit the transfer or import of live shellfish into wet storage--including for on-beach, in-water (e.g. sink float), and upland or dockside tank/cage/barrel facilities. The movement of live shellfish is one way in which disease-causing shellfish pathogens or pests can be introduced or spread around, which is why WDFW regulations require a Shellfish Transfer Permit for movement of shellfish into or around state waters¹. The movement of shellfish into wet storage sites and facilities also requires a permit, and wet storage facilities—from on-beach sites to flow-through tanks and in-water sink floats—all require approval and permitting from WDFW (not just the Department of Health). Among WDFW’s current concerns are the expansion of international trade of live shellfish (including the recent addition of Spain and the Netherlands to the list of approved countries), resulting in imported live seafood to our state, and the expanding range of harmful European green crab in our waters.

The operation of a wet storage site or facility without a permit and approval from WDFW is unlawful. It is also unlawful to place imported live shellfish into state waters or into wet storage facilities within or discharging to state waters without approval from WDFW. It is critical that no live imported shellfish are placed into wet storage in order to protect our waters and shellfish populations from potential diseases arriving with imported shellfish.

Is WDFW concerned about live imported shellfish intended for market, such as the new FDA approval of trade in live molluscan shellfish from E.U. countries?

Yes, WDFW is concerned about the risks of accidental transfer of disease-causing shellfish pathogens exotic to Washington with all live shellfish imports intended for the seafood market. While deemed safe from a human health standpoint, the importation of live molluscan shellfish represents risk for the introduction of harmful shellfish pathogens to receiving states. Of the 7 mollusc diseases prioritized as Reportable by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), 4 have been documented and associated with substantial impacts in the European Union (EU). Bonamia ostreae, Perkinus olseni, and Marteilia refringens have all been confirmed in either or both Spain and the Netherlands, among other EU states; Bonamia exitiosa has been confirmed elsewhere in the EU. Two mollusc pathogens not yet listed by the OIE, Vibrio tapetis (causative agent of Brown ring disease of clams) and OsHV-1 µvar (causative agent of "POMS") are of critical concern to the state of Washington and have been documented in both Spain and the Netherlands. Both have been implicated in significant damage to clam and oyster industries in a growing list of regions and their introduction to Washington would be potentially disastrous. This is not an exhaustive inventory, but a few examples of pathogens that may be unintentionally transferred to receiving states with live shellfish imports without proper precautionary measures. Of critical concern is that imported shellfish, their shells, tissues, or other associated materials could end up in contact with state waters. Unpermitted wet storage, seafood discards (such as shells), "freshening" of shellfish on the beach prior to consumption, live release of animals, and ill-advised "shell recycling" projects are a few examples of ways these products can enter state waters (and all of these are unlawful without a permit from WDFW).

WDFW is working to identify solutions to reduce risks associated with imported live shellfish, including working with other agencies and industry partners. Education on the risks posed by imported shellfish contacting state waters is one strategy underway. WDFW also reminds anyone that is planning to import, transfer, or wet store live shellfish that a permit is required for this activity. It is unlawful to place imported live shellfish (or shell, tissue, or other associated material) into state waters or into wet storage facilities without approval from WDFW. It is critical that no live imported shellfish are placed into wet storage in order to protect our waters and shellfish populations from potential diseases arriving with imported shellfish.

Suggested resources:

• Letter submitted by WDFW to U.S. FDA (PDF) (2018)
• Letter of comment on U.S. Aquaculture Development Plan (PDF) (2024)
• FDA FAQ information on renewed trade and OsHV-1 risk 
• Potential Introduction Pathways of OsHV-1 to in the U.S.: a USDA analysis of the issue (PDF)
• OsHV-1 information and tools from the East Coast Shellfish Growers' Association (ECSGA)

What is required for WDFW approval of a shell pile for re-use of oyster, clam, or other shellfish shells in aquaculture?

It is very important that shells are given an opportunity to dry out or "age," to reduce risk of introducing harmful hitchhiking pests or pathogens. WDFW must approve and permit all shell piles that collect and store shell for later use in state waters for aquaculture purposes. Shell must be aged for a minimum of 90 days prior to transfer to state waters. Shell must have originated only from waters WDFW would approve import or transfer of live shellfish from and must not contain any shells of unknown origin--or from restaurants, markets, or festivals. Piles must be located at least 200 feet from marine shorelines; secured in a way that discourages the addition of new shells, shellfish, or debris while the pile ages; and be accompanied by signage that discourages new additions prior to 90 days. Shell must be free of tissue and debris prior to being permitted for re-use. WDFW must inspect shell piles prior to approval. It is critically important that shells or shellfish that has been imported from out of state (such as may be found at a retail location, restaurant, or seafood festival) not be added to shell piles as this introduces additional and unknown risks. WDFW will not permit public or restaurant shell recycling programs due to risk. Any shell intended for use in marine waters, for any use, must be sourced from a WDFW-approved shell pile.

Does Washington permit public shell recycling programs? Can I discard my shells back into state waters?

No, WDFW will not permit public, restaurant, or festival shell recycling programs. There is simply too much risk in introducing a harmful disease or pest organism associated with shell from markets, restaurants, etc.  Please do not discard shells into state waters--it is illegal and a good way to risk introducing a disease or pest organism. 

Can I import live crawfish (crayfish) from out of state or outside the U.S. for my upcoming crawfish boil? And what about crayfish as fishing bait? What about use in school lesson plans?

No, you may not import live crayfish for consumption (such as for a crawfish boil), for use as fishing bait, or for any other purposes. Doing so would be illegal. Crayfish from outside of Washington pose an invasive species and potential disease (PDF) introduction concern. The Department classifies all crayfish in the family Cambaridae and all but a few in the family Parastacidae as Prohibited level 3 species (WAC 220-640-050) as species that pose a moderate to high invasive risk (RCW 77.135.030). This includes species most likely to be available on the market--such as red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), white river crayfish (Procambarus zonangulus), rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus), and others; these crayfish may be farmed or wild-caught and are not native to Washington. It is unlawful to introduce into the state or possess a Prohibited Level 1, 2, or 3 species, except that the department may authorize some possession of such species for certain scientific research or display uses via permit (WAC 220-640-100); WDFW will not permit the import of live crayfish species classified as Prohibited for crawfish boils, for bait, or for use in school classrooms. They may, however, be purchased and possessed in non-live (dead) forms for human or animal consumption--such as fully cooked, frozen, canned, preserved, and raw/fresh with head and/or internal organs removed. There are other requirements as well, described in WAC 220-340-051.

Pacificastacus leniusculus, one of Washington's native crayfish, may be available on the market and is not listed as a Prohibited species. It may be imported from out of state specifically for human consumption purposes, but may not be placed into state waters (including temporarily to keep the crawfish alive/fresh) without a permit; placing imported animals into state waters can spread harmful diseases, parasites, or other pests. Using live crayfish as fishing bait is also of concern (see below).

Bait: Using imported or non-native crayfish (either those imported from out of state or those collected from within Washington waters, as we do have some non-native species established here) for bait (dead or alive) is also unlawful. Visit the Fishing for crayfish page for more information on crayfish identification and harvest information.

Conferring with the Department on imports or transfers of live shellfish of any kind, for any purposes, is strongly recommended. 

Can I import live shellfish (e.g. clams, mussels, lobsters, etc.) into Washington as a seafood market product?

You may import "market ready" shellfish into Washington without a shellfish import or transfer permit from WDFW, unless the species is listed as a Prohibited species by WDFW (e.g. see above regarding crayfish; WAC 220-640). "Market ready shellfish" are defined as aquatic invertebrate species which are intended for immediate human consumption and will not be placed into or come in contact with state waters. Under no circumstances may market-ready shellfish come into direct or indirect (such as being placed into flow-through or in-water wet storage, for example) contact with state waters without a permit from WDFW. Moving shellfish around is generally a concern for introducing or spreading harmful hitch-hiking organisms  and market-ready shellfish may come into our state from around the world, carrying unknown risks to our marine environment and local shellfish. WDFW does have licensing requirements for fish dealers and buyers - refer to the  Licensing page for details. When in doubt, reach out to WDFW for more information. Beyond WDFW, the Washington Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health both have roles in regulating trade in market-ready seafood products in our state. WDFW recommends contacting these entities if you wish to sell shellfish market-ready products in Washington.

Do I need a permit for religious (such as Buddhist) or traditional "life release" or "live release" ceremonies?

Yes, a shellfish transfer permit is needed to place any live aquatic invertebrates (e.g. shellfish) into state waters. There are also WDFW permitting requirements for similar actions with fish, and there are prohibitions on possession of some organisms altogether. Do not ever release live animals into state waters without approval from WDFW --this is an action that represents risk of introducing an invasive species or harmful disease-causing pathogen to our waters, and it is also against the law. It is especially critical that no imported organisms, such as fish or shellfish commonly sold live at seafood markets, be placed into state waters without approval from WDFW. This consequences could be devastating for Washington's aquatic ecosystems.  A permit is required for any proposed Buddhist life release or other religious, spiritual, traditional, or ceremonial life release or live release.

How do I start a shellfish farm in Washington?

WDFW's Aquatic Farm permit is just one piece of the regulatory picture for starting an aquaculture operation in Washington. There are many other regulatory requirements involved, including federal, several state, local, and tribal Treaty rights considerations. NOAA has published a useful guide for more general information on aquaculture permitting.