Washington § 69.30.050 - Shellfish growing areas — Requirements to harvest — Certificates of approval.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 69.30.050 — Shellfish growing areas — Requirements to harvest — Certificates of approval., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 69.30.050. Shellfish growing areas — Requirements to harvest — Certificates of approval.

(1) It is unlawful for a person to harvest shellfish from shellfish growing areas in a commercial quantity or for sale for human consumption unless the shellfish growing area:

(a) Has a valid certificate of approval; and

(b) Meets the requirements of this chapter and the rules adopted under this chapter.

(2) A person may not remove shellfish in a commercial quantity or for sale for human consumption from a shellfish growing area in the state of Washington unless:

(a) The person has received a certificate of approval for the shellfish growing area from the department; and

(b) Approved shellfish tags are affixed to each container of shellstock prior to removal from the shellfish growing area, except bulk tagging is permitted as allowed in the national shellfish sanitation program model ordinance.

(3) Before issuing a certificate of approval, the department shall inspect the shellfish growing area. The department shall issue a certificate of approval if the area meets the requirements of this chapter and the rules adopted under this chapter.

(4) A certificate of approval is valid for a period of twelve months. The department may revoke a certificate of approval at any time the area is found out of compliance with the requirements of this chapter or the rules adopted under this chapter.

(5) It is unlawful to remove shellfish from shellfish growing areas without a certificate of approval in a commercial quantity for purposes other than human consumption, including but not limited to use as bait or seed, unless:

(a) The shellfish operation and shellfish growing area is readily available to monitoring and inspections; and

(b) The department has determined the shellfish operation is designed to ensure that shellfish harvested from such an area is not diverted for human consumption.

(6) Nothing in this section prohibits a person from removing shellfish for use as bait or seed from an approved shellfish growing area.

(7) The department's certificate of approval to harvest shellfish for purposes other than human consumption shall specify:

(a) The date or dates and time of harvest;

(b) All applicable conditions of harvest;

(d) Information about the removal method, transportation method, processing technique, sale details, and other factors to ensure that shellfish harvested from such areas are not diverted for human consumption.

[ 2011 c 194 s 4; 1995 c 147 s 3; 1985 c 51 s 2; 1955 c 144 s 5.]

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 69.30.050

What does Revised Code of Washington § 69.30.050 cover?

Section 69.30.050 ("Shellfish growing areas — Requirements to harvest — Certificates of approval.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 69.30.050?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 69.30.050" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 69.30.050 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Official text of § 69.30.050 at the Washington source

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.