Finds that shellfish aquaculture is an important and dynamic industry in the state of Washington. Managing and regulating the industry involves a careful balancing act among various goals, including environmental protection, economic development, property rights, aesthetics, and the simple enjoyment of the shoreline. Complicating the state's efforts is a lack of available, credible scientific information on the affects that new industry developments have on the natural environment.

Declares that, with this act, the legislature intends to address the challenges inherent in managing and regulating shellfish aquaculture, and begin the process of developing a consistent, predictable regulatory program that respects the role of local governments, protects the interests of the state, and operates within the scope of the federal government.