The geoduck aquaculture research account is created in the custody of the state treasurer. All receipts from any legislative appropriations, the aquaculture industry, or any other private or public source directed to the account must be deposited in the account. Expenditures from the account may only be used by the sea grant program for the geoduck research projects identified by RCW
28B.20.475. Only the president of the University of Washington or the president's designee may authorize expenditures from the account. The account is subject to the allotment procedures under chapter
43.88 RCW, but an appropriation is not required for expenditures. During the 2017-2019, 2019-2021, and 2021-2023 fiscal biennia, amounts available in the geoduck aquaculture research account may also be appropriated for the sea grant program at the University of Washington to conduct research examining the possible negative and positive effects of evolving shellfish aquaculture techniques and practices on Washington's economy and marine ecosystems. It is the intent of the legislature that this policy be continued in future biennia.