1. (1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the director of the department of agriculture, in collaboration with legislators representing legislative districts that border the Pacific Ocean and an association that supports oyster growers in the Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor region, shall establish a governing board consisting of representatives from the following entities to oversee the research program established in RCW 15.85.070:

   1. (a) One member each from the departments of agriculture, ecology, natural resources, fish and wildlife, and commerce, and the state conservation commission;
   2. (b) Five shellfish growers of varying sizes located in the Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor region;
   3. (c) Two shellfish processors located in the Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor region;
   4. (d) Shoalwater Bay Indian tribe;
   5. (e) The executive director of an association supporting oyster growers in the Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor region;
   6. (f) One member representing a nonprofit organization that develops and disseminates scientific and technical shellfish-related environmental and health and safety information; and
   7. (g) One member from an ecosystem-based management collaborative in the Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor area, to serve in an ex officio capacity.
2. (2) The governing board must identify an objective and effective facilitator to moderate meetings and serve as an additional ex officio member.
3. (3) Members of the governing board must have a clear stake or vested interest in the preservation and sustainability of the shellfish industry, be knowledgeable about the impacts of burrowing shrimp on shellfish farming, and have a special interest in identifying tools to control burrowing shrimp with an emphasis on bottom culture shellfish farming.
4. (4) The governing board must meet at least quarterly and implement discussion parameters to ensure productive and efficient meetings that focus on bottom culture shellfish farming in coastal estuaries. The governing board must establish a consensus decision-making process whereby the participants develop and decide on proposals with the goal of achieving broad acceptance. In the absence of consensus on any proposal before the governing board, the proposal may be approved by a simple majority of appointed governing board members.
5. (5) Governing board members are eligible for reimbursement for subsistence, lodging, and travel expenses incurred in the performance of their duties pursuant to RCW 43.03.050.
6. (6) This section expires July 1, 2035.

[ 2025 c 87 s 3.]

Notes:

Findings—Intent—2025 c 87: See note following RCW 15.85.070.