Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe's aquaculture project faces risk

The Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe has expressed disappointment regarding a decision by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) not to renew marine net pen aquaculture licenses for Cooke Aquaculture. This decision places the Salish Fish Project, a partnership between the Tribe and Cooke, in jeopardy.

The Salish Fish Project aims to establish a sustainable steelhead trout farm in Port Angeles to support tribal economic self-reliance and cultural aquaculture traditions. The Tribe noted that sustainable marine aquaculture could alleviate pressure on declining wild fish stocks caused by pollution and development in the Pacific Northwest.

The project has been awaiting a DNR decision on a lease application since December 2021. The proposal involves utilizing a former Cooke Aquaculture site. Major U.S. seafood industry trade groups have also called for an independent review of the DNR's decision.