Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee
HB 1153
Brief Description: Prohibiting octopus farming.
Sponsors: Representatives Peterson, Fitzgibbon, Berry, Walen, Bateman, Goodman, Leavitt, Macri, Gregerson, Stonier, Pollet and Fosse.
Brief Summary of Bill
  •  Prohibits octopus farming in the State of Washington.
Hearing Date: 2/8/23
Staff: Devon Mann (786-7290) and Rebecca Lewis (786-7339).
Background:

Aquaculture is the culture or farming of fish, shellfish, and other aquatic plants and animals in fresh, brackish, or salt water areas.  It is not the same as commercial fishing, which is the harvesting of wild fish.
 
In Washington, aquaculture occurs in both fresh and marine waters such as streams, rivers, lakes, the Puget Sound, and on the coast.  Commercial aquaculture activities include raising, harvesting, transporting, and selling fish and shellfish.  Other aquaculture activities are designed to help restore and enhance resources.  This includes fish and shellfish hatcheries and planting and growing native aquatic plants to restore or enhance habitat.  Private sector cultured aquatic products in Washington include clams, oysters, prawns, trout, salmon, geoducks, and kelp, among others.  Commercial net-pen aquaculture of nonnative finfish, including Atlantic salmon, has been prohibited in Washington.
 
Aquaculture is regulated by the departments of Ecology, Fish and Wildlife and Natural Resources, as well as local and tribal governments, and other state and federal agencies. 
Summary of Bill:

The definition of "private sector cultured aquatic products" does not include octopus, and octopus aquaculture is prohibited in Washington.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.