Washington's Wildstock Geoduck Fishery
Since 1969, Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has the statutory authority to harvest wildstock geoduck. The wild geoduck fishery in the state is jointly managed by DNR, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), and the Puget Sound Treaty Indian Tribes (Tribes). The state and the Tribes each have a right to 50 percent of the sustainable, allowable geoduck catch. Both are responsible for estimating geoduck population size, determining sustainable yield, and protecting the health of the geoduck stock and the habitat they depend upon.
DNR manages the submerged aquaitc lands in which the wildstock geoduck grow, and offers at public auctions the right for private companies and individuals to harvest specific quantities from specific areas.
Managing the geoduck resource is dynamic due to changes in market demand, resource economics, and new information on geoduck biology and population dynamics. As the managers, DNR and WDFW enforce civil and criminal state laws, regulations and contract conditions that apply to the state’s fishery.
Wildstock Geoduck Habitat Conservation Plan
DNR has developed a "Low Effect" Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) to ensure that geoduck harvest activities under the state's management are in compliance with the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and that the harvests are conducted in a manner that protects threatened and endangered species. A fact sheet provides additional information about the HCP. The HCP covers the harvest of naturally occurring geoduck on state-owned beds under marine waters; geoduck raised and harvested under aquacultural practices are not included.
Goals for the State’s Geoduck Program
— Encourage a stable and orderly harvest;
— Provide maximum benefits of geoduck resources to the citizens of the state;
— Minimize adverse impacts to shoreline residents; and
— Ensure effective enforcement of the state harvest.
Geoduck Studies in Hood Canal - (Associated with House Bill 1896) - Final Report
Geoduck Program Fact Sheet
State's Current Harvest Area
Port Gamble in Kitsap County, and Hood Head East in Jefferson County.
Next Geoduck Auction Will Be September 28, 2009 in room 172 of the Natural Resources Building
Location — The areas available this auction are located in King County at Point Beals South, and in Mason County at Peale Passage.
Current Geoduck Auction Materials
Invitation to Bid Packet — September 2009
Publications
Geoduck Harvest Agreement (Sample)
Geoduck On-line Atlas - Department of Fish & Wildlife, Puget Sound Commercial Geoduck Management Regions
Commercial Geoduck Fishery Management Plan - May 23, 2001
Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (Final SEIS) state of Washington Commercial Geoduck Fishery May 23, 2001.
Past Invitation to Bid Packets for the Geoduck Auctions