Committee hears bill to create burrowing‑shrimp research program for Washington shellfish growers

The Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on Jan. 31 opened a public hearing on House Bill 1309, which would direct the Washington State Department of Agriculture to establish an integrated pest management (IPM) research program aimed at reducing the impacts of burrowing shrimp on bottom‑culture shellfish farming.

The bill would create a governing board, a non‑appropriated account to support grants, and a consensus‑based decision process; the program and account would expire July 1, 2035. Representative Joel McIntyre, the bill’s prime sponsor, told the committee the measure is “a good little bill” and “the start of a solution” for coastal communities affected by the pest.

Why it matters: growers and state staff told the panel that burrowing shrimp change substrate consistency so oysters and clams cannot adhere and survive, costing acreage, jobs and revenue in rural coastal counties. WSDA staff said the agency has administered an…