Washington net pen ban passed!

Commercial finfish aquaculture has been banned in Washington state-owned aquatic lands!

In November 2022, as a result of a devastating Atlantic salmon net pen collapse off Cypress Island five years prior, Commissioner Hilary Franz enacted a temporary executive order prohibiting finfish aquaculture. Today, the Board of Natural Resources voted to permanently adopt the order. This is a huge victory for salmon and Southern Resident orcas.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to send in comments, to the many Tribal members and environmental organizations who supported this decision, and to the Board of Natural Resources for making a bold choice to protect our salmon and the Salish Sea ecosystem. You have truly made a difference.

During this time when we are all mourning the loss of J61, it's important to celebrate the wins and continue fighting to ensure a healthy future for little J62 and all the orca calves to follow