Subtidal Farm Site Harvest Requirements
Security Requirements for Wild Stock Restoration
An aquatic farm operation permit holder who harvests wild stock geoducks from an aquatic farm site must provide proof that the site has been reseeded where wild stock geoducks were harvested, within one year after the harvest. The reseeding must be a ratio of at least five hatchery produced geoduck spat planted for one wild geoduck harvested. The number of geoducks to be reseeded is based on the fish ticket data from the landing of wild stock geoducks.
Proof of reseeding must include:
- a completed reseeding form,
- a bill of sale from a state approved hatchery showing purchase of geoduck spat that includes the number and size of geoduck spat shipped and the name of the permit holder that the spat was shipped to,
- an approved transport permit from a hatchery or nursery showing the transport of spat to the specific aquatic farm site,
An aquatic farm operation permit holder that fails to provide proof of fully reseeding the aquatic farm site within one year of harvest must establish a certificate of deposit or security bond in an amount necessary to cover the cost of reseeding. The certificate of deposit or security bond will be returned, if the permit holder provides proof of reseeding.
If the aquatic farm operation permit holder fails to meet the reseeding requirements upon termination of their aquatic farm operation permit, the individual is responsible for reimbursing the state for all costs associated with restoring the wild stock geoduck to the populations levels that existed at the aquatic farm site when it was initially permitted.