Washington Ends Fish Farming After 2017's 250,000 Salmon Escape


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After 40+ years, Washington becomes the first place worldwide to permanently ban commercial fish farming in its waters.

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The 2017 disaster changed everything - when 250,000 Atlantic salmon escaped into Puget Sound after a net pen collapsed.

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"No one can say these facilities don't have an impact," stated Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, citing costs to waters, salmon, and endangered orcas.

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Scientists identified four major problems: pens block sunlight from marine plants, fish waste pollutes waters, structures disrupt currents, and equipment leaves dangerous debris.

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Just days before the vote, Tahlequah, the orca who carried her dead calf for 17 days in 2018, lost another baby - highlighting the urgent struggle of starving Southern Resident orcas

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Research reveals a shocking statistic: 69% of Southern Resident orca pregnancies end in miscarriage due to malnutrition as salmon numbers plummet.

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What makes this ban unique? It protects tribal rights for ceremonial and subsistence purposes while ending commercial operations.

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The Swinomish, Lower Elwha Klallam, Suquamish, and Lummi Nations all supported the ban to protect treaty rights and salmon restoration efforts.

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Each nest combines above and below-ground networks built with needles, leaves, bark, and twigs through burrowing.

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How dire is the situation? The Board's 4-2 vote reflects the urgent need to protect wild salmon and orcas facing extinction.

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With California, Oregon, and Alaska already banning net pens, the entire U.S. West Coast has now rejected this form of aquaculture.

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What happens next? The rule takes effect February 24, 2025, making 2024 the first year in four decades Puget Sound has been free from commercial fish farming

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"This victory is not just for Puget Sound—it's for every community, every species, and every ecosystem," said Emma Helverson of Wild Fish Conservancy.

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