Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz issued the following statement Friday in regards to the lawsuit filed by Cooke Aquaculture: 

 

“The basis for terminating Cooke Aquaculture’s lease at its Port Angeles facility was made clear to the company and the public. My team will vigorously defend the termination against this meritless lawsuit.”

 

“I encourage Cooke Aquaculture to drop this lawsuit and work collaboratively with the Department of Natural Resources to safely close down the facility.”