Commercial finfish net pens banned from Washington State aquatic lands
This January marked a monumental victory for Southern Resident killer whales and wild salmon: the Washington State Board of Natural Resources voted to permanently ban commercial finfish net-pen aquaculture on state-owned aquatic lands! Hear directly from our Science Director, Tina Whitman, as she shares the significance and background of this hard-fought and historic win…
In early January, after testifying for the ban, I had the honor of standing in a packed hearing room in Olympia as the Board of Natural Resources took bold and transformative action to protect our shared waters, salmon, Southern Resident killer whales, and the people of Washington State.
After nearly a decade of tireless science, education, and advocacy by marine researchers, Tribal Nations, the Our Sound, Our Salmon coalition, and people like you who spoke out, Washington’s marine waters are now permanently safeguarded from the harmful impacts of commercial finfish net pen aquaculture. This victory is a testament to what we can achieve when we unite for the health of natural and human communities in the Pacific Northwest.
The stakes couldn’t have been higher. Wild salmon, a keystone species, and the critically endangered Southern Residents were at risk. The hearing itself was charged with energy—filled with diverse voices, cautious optimism, and the collective question: Could this really be the turning point? Would Washington State follow the science and public sentiment to prioritize the protection of its state-owned aquatic lands?
Among the highlights were the powerful and steadfast remarks of Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz and the many Tribal Nations who have provided essential leadership throughout this long journey. Their words were inspirational and deeply impactful, grounding the day in a sense of justice and urgency. I am profoundly grateful to them, as well as to the hundreds of Friends members and the thousands of Washingtonians who have worked together for years to achieve this historic milestone.
As we step into a new year, one filled with environmental challenges and sobering headlines, let’s take a moment to celebrate this significant achievement. This success is a reminder of what is possible when we work together with determination and hope. May it fuel our collective resolve as we continue to protect the San Juan Islands and the Salish Sea.
In gratitude,
Tina Whitman
Science Director
tina[at]sanjuans.org
For more details on this important protection victory:
- Board of Natural Resources Ends Open Sea Net Pen Salmon Farms in Washington Waters | WA – DNR
- WA bans commercial net-pen fish farming | The Seattle Times
- Protect WA’s waters and tribal sovereignty: Ban commercial finfish net-pen aquaculture | The Seattle Times
