NPDES permit reissuance for net pens

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Comment From: Jim Loring

2/25/19 @ 4:55 PM

Rich Doenges Washington State Department of Ecology P.O. Box 47600 Olympia, WA 98504 In 25 February 2019 RE: NPDES Draft Permits on net pen aquaculture Dear Mr. Doenges Thank you for this opportunity to comment on the Washington D...↓epartment of Ecology's proposed permits pertaining to net pen aquaculture. Having had the chance to review the documents resulting from the state's investigation of the collapse of Cooke Aquaculture's Cypress Island Atlantic salmon net pen #2 [1] and the company's response of 29 January 2018, I feel the four draft permits - Clam Bay (WA0031526), Fort Ward (WA0031534), Orchard Rocks (WA0031542), Hope Island (WA0031593) – adequately address the factors contributing to the catastrophic failure and Atlantic salmon release of 19 August 2017. The state's investigation determined determined that the probable cause of both the preceding July incident and the August collapse was the failure of Cooke to adequately clean the nets containing the fish. Biofouling of the containment nets in essence made the structure unstable. The draft permit requirements address this at several points in an attempt to prevent similar events in the future. Of major concern is animal health and aquaculture practices which are only in part addressed in the draft permits. Monitoring for sea lice and antibiotic use are both identified as conditions for permitting, and in particular – under Sec L on p. 12 – that new information on the environmental impacts of antibiotics be taken into account over the duration of the permits and that unusually high usage levels of antibiotics be disclosed by the permit holder. Subtherapeutic antibiotic use in agriculture to increase animal growth is coming under increasing scrutiny, the cumulative effects on the environment potentially disastrous. Heighten use of antibiotics to treat acute infection is a good proxy for overall fish health, as is the required reporting of sea lice infestations. Sec. G12. ADDITIONAL MONITORING Ecology may establish specific monitoring requirements in addition to those contained in this permit by administrative order or permit modification PRV (Piscine Reovirus) and HSMI (Heart and Skeletal Muscle Inflammation) are of great concern on the Pacific Coast. PRV was not considered harmful until it was determined that it may cause HSMI. Resent study indicates that in Chinook salmon, PRV causes red blood cells to rupture resulting in anemia and potentially lethal kidney and liver disease. [2] Further, WDFW denied a recent transport permit after samples taken from the Atlantic salmon hatchery in Washington state tested positive for an "Icelandic form" of piscine reovirus (PRV). WDFW determined that introducing an exotic strain of PRV into Washington's marine waters would represent an unknown and unacceptable risk of disease transmission.[3] The use / overuse of antibiotics and monitoring for sea lice are the only aspects of fish health specifically identified as a condition of net pen permitting. Other aspects of animal health, such as the monitoring for piscine orthoreovirus (PRV), should be required as a condition of Ecology's NDPES permit, as it is with other state agency permits necessary in net pen aquaculture in Washington Thank you for your time and consideration of these concerns. Regards – Jim Jim Loring 1815 153rd Ave. S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007-6141 [1] D Clark, K Lee, K Murphy, A Windrope. 2017 Cypress Island Atlantic Salmon Net Pen Failure: An Investigation and Review. Washington Department of Natural Resources, Olympia, WA. [2] Di Cicco, Emiliano et.al.. "The same strain of Piscine orthoreovirus (PRV-1) is involved with the development of different, but related, diseases in Atlantic and Pacific Salmon in British Columbia, Facets, 23 April 2018, DOI 10.1139/facets-2018-0008 [3] WDFW denies permit for company to place 800,000 Atlantic salmon into Puget Sound net pens." Washington Department of Fish and Wildliife, 17 May 2018. ( https://wdfw.wa.gov/news/may1718c/ )

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Comment From: Jim Loring

2/25/19 @ 4:53 PM

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Comment From: Jeanne Kreider

2/25/19 @ 4:29 PM

I am the owner of the Cliff House along with Dr. Carl Jelstrup on Cypress Island ,Mexican Bay. We are situated above the fish pens. We arrived to the Cliff House 34 years ago when wildlife was abundant and the bay was fiilled with lots of life, fish,...↓

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Comment From: Bruce Kreider

2/25/19 @ 3:13 PM

Hello. I have been a stakeholder in the property above the fish pens on Cypress Island for over 25 years. Initially, the pen occupants were good neighbors....quiet, and respectful of the environment. However, over the past 10-15 years, the comm...↓

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Comment From: Heather Nicholson

2/25/19 @ 3:13 PM

Net pens must go now, for too many reasons to list. Please remove this danger from our waters immediately.

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Comment From: Maggie Santos

2/25/19 @ 2:41 PM

I would like to see strict regulations on these facilities. They have shown what weak regulations can lead to. In fact I would like to not see them at all. But if you must then best practices for the environment and ecology should be our foremost ...↓

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Comment From: Brenda Berry

2/25/19 @ 2:39 PM

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Comment From: Brenda Berry

2/25/19 @ 2:19 PM

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Comment From: Northwest Aquaculture Alliance (Jeanne McKnight)

2/25/19 @ 2:18 PM

The United States currently ranks 16th in the world in terms of aquaculture production. Today, we import billions of dollars of high-value species such as salmon and trout from countries such as Norway, Canada, and Chile. Shouldn't we be growing mo...↓

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Comment From: Joyce Berry

2/25/19 @ 1:56 PM

To the DOE. I am against the issuing of the NPDES permit for the following reasons: 1. I don't believe any government body has the moral right to allow a corporation to pollute our public water and marine resources for material gain. Why should the ...↓

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Comment From: Marty Crowley

2/25/19 @ 1:55 PM

I am a member of the Orca Network and very concerned regarding the pollution of wild salmon by the Atlantic salmon which should have never been introduced in our waters. I am respectfully requesting that your agency stop any and all permits for Net ...↓

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Comment From: Kathy Bailey

2/25/19 @ 1:54 PM

There should absolutely be stricter restrictions and regulations on farm pens but why are we waiting until 2022 to ban them completely? Even with more perceived protections, there is still no guarantee we won't experience another farm pen collapse l...↓

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Comment From: Bert Clay

2/25/19 @ 12:30 PM

Any non-native fish, run a continuous potential risk of damage to the historical balance nature created. Ecology has a responsibility to support the natural balance that was created and minimize damage by unnatural change.

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Comment From: Martha and James Doane

2/25/19 @ 12:27 PM

Please get rid of the net pen salmon farms.

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Comment From: Carol Bordin

2/25/19 @ 11:16 AM

I am opposed to the raising of "non-native fish" in net pens in the Waters of the State of Washington. The reason is that the fish are not native to Washington State and pose several problems including: water quality problems; pose viral infectious ...↓diseases to various native fish and salmon; when pens break the non-native fish cause problems as competitors for food, space, spawning, health, ecosystem problems we still don't know about in our waters. I believe that if any such "net pen fish" are allowed to be raised in net pens in the Waters of Washington State they should be of Wild Chinook Salmon stocks ONLY, and they should be made available ONLY for the Endangered Southern Resident Orca Whales for food, IMMEDIATELY for five years, and additional years if necessary! Only 10% of reared native Chinook salmon should be made available for sale. The net pens should then be mandated to follow all the necessary requirements of a strict NPDES permit and compliance with said permit(s); require daily monitoring of water quality and compliance/reporting by third party to Washington Department of Ecology; require daily monitoring of health of native Chinook Salmon (physical characteristics) of size/length, weight, parasites, etc.; monitor proper feed and feeding of the salmon within non-crowded conditions/pens--all reported by third party to Washington State Dept. of Ecology and State Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, and Puget Sound Partnership; require daily monitoring/reporting of the physical structure of all net pens for possible failures to WSDOE. The Washington State Department of Ecology should require that any net pens utilized for rearing salmon should be of native Chinook stock only, and be allowed for the next 5 years to help the Southern Resident Orca Whales as a food source in the Waters of Washington State. The entire pilot project should be monitored closely for compliance; fish release upon reaching maturity into the waters of San Juan Islands (with no permitted recreational, sport, commercial, or tribal fishing seasons of these fish) for five years, and, monitoring and reporting annually; should pilot project show success in terms of restoring and increasing the numbers of the Southern Resident Orca Whale populations, project may continue in succeeding years, if necessary, to further the efforts to recover the population of Southern Resident Orca Whales. I am, at this time, asking that you please share my comments with Gov. Jay Inslee in an effort to provide possibly some new ideas to help him and the Southern Resident Orca Whale Task Force with the efforts to restore and increase the Southern Resident Orca Whale population in the Samish Sea/Waters of Washington State. Respectfully, Carol Bordin

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Comment From: Jill Hein

2/25/19 @ 11:16 AM

Please revoke all permits for net pen salmon farms. Atlantic salmon are an invasive species, they should never have been allowed in our waters in the first place. Just some of the problems with this invasive species is sea lice, viruses, the use of p...↓

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Comment From: Phyllis Starr

2/25/19 @ 11:09 AM

I am in favor of stricter requirements. I don't believe the regulations go far enough to protect native salmon, other marine life and water conditions. The broken pens in our waters have caused and continue to cause widespread problems. I don't want ...↓

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Comment From: Our Sound, Our Salmon Coalitio... (Kurt Beardslee)

2/25/19 @ 9:22 AM

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Comment From: Bill R.

2/25/19 @ 9:14 AM

DOE should grant Cooke Aquaculture the NPDES as well as all other necessary permits on their end required to operate the net pens. We need aquaculture! The state of our oceans and our food supply around the world depend on its sustainability! The ...↓

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Comment From: Maya Green

2/25/19 @ 8:28 AM

Do not grant Cooke a new permit! Please do not let the Puget Sound be freely polluted with no external oversight. With a history of diseased fish and excessive use of harmful pesticides, they cannot be trusted not to do the same again.

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Comment From: Warren Carr

2/25/19 @ 7:47 AM

I feel strongly that no additional permits should be issued due to the high likelihood of endangerment to native salmon. Non native salmon should be raised in an environment where they cannot escape or transmit potential diseases to the native salmon...↓

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Comment From: RE Sources for Sustainable Com... (Kirsten McDade)

2/25/19 @ 7:31 AM

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Comment From: Orca Conservancy (Shari Tarantino)

2/25/19 @ 7:04 AM

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on decisions regarding Washington's Department of Ecolo-gy's (Ecology) efforts in developing Draft National Pollutant Discharge Elimination (NPDES) Permits on Atlantic Salmon Net Pen Aquaculture. Please accept...↓

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Comment From: Susan Marie Anderson

2/25/19 @ 6:12 AM

Until non-native fish, such as Atlantic salmon are complety phased out in Washington's marine waters we must protect our waters by requiring all companies, and especially the notorious Cooke Aquaculture, to operate under the strongest water quality p...↓

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Comment From: Friends of the Earth (Hallie Templeton)

2/25/19 @ 5:40 AM

Please accept the two pdf attachments containing comments on the draft NPDES permits for Cooke Aquaculture, on behalf of Friends of the Earth-US and 1,257 of our members and activists in Washington State.

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Comment From: Mary Karen Brown

2/24/19 @ 5:00 PM

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Comment From: Cooke Aquaculture Pacific (Kevin Bright)

2/24/19 @ 5:00 PM

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Comment From: Marie Gallagher

2/24/19 @ 7:18 AM

I have lived in Alaska for 40 years and moved here recently. Introducing Atlantic salmon or any farmed fish into our waters has devastating effects on natural stocks. Why take that chance.I don't believe net pens should be allowed at all in our alrea...↓

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Comment From: Whidbey Environmental Action N... (Steve Erickson)

2/24/19 @ 7:03 AM

Please see Whidbey Environmental Action Network's attached comments.

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Comment From: Bonnie Gretz

2/24/19 @ 6:01 AM

Please stop Atlantic net pen fish farms as soon as possible. And please do not authorize anymore. The science is clear that the current methods of fish farming are very detrimental to the habitat of the Salish Sea and affects all living beings here....↓

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Comment From: Scott Veirs

2/24/19 @ 5:51 AM

Please revoke all permits for net pen salmon farms! In Washington and beyond, we can't afford their many costs: sea lice; viruses; pesticides; over-harvest of food fish; predator deterrents; invasive escapes; etc. Just say no, now; it's too risky to ...↓

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Comment From: Ruth Adams

2/23/19 @ 9:55 AM

I live in the Puget Sound area and know what an amazing and fragile resourse we have. Cooke Aquaculture really doesn't care. Their response to the latest spill was "oh gosh it wasn't our fault and we sure won't let that happen again". We know for ...↓

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Comment From: Annabelle Fox

2/22/19 @ 11:57 PM

Cooke Aquaculture's history of disregard for the maintenance of their pens should lead WDFW to revoke the rest of their permits now and monitor the removal of pens. Our Pacific salmon recovery is the priority, not Cooke.

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Comment From: Howard Garrett

2/22/19 @ 6:15 PM

Please revoke all permits for net pen salmon farms. Sea lice. Viruses. Pesticides. Over harvest of food fish. Predator deterrents. Invasive escapes. Etc.

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Comment From: SUSAN SWEETWATER

2/22/19 @ 9:54 AM

I urge the DOE to deny permitting for fish farms in Puget Sound. Native salmon and Orcas deserve protection over profits.

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Comment From: Caroline Armon

2/22/19 @ 5:08 AM

No, no, no! Please do not issue permits as Cooke Aquaculture fish farms have already disregarded permit regulations causing damaging impacts to endangered species and the Salish Sea ecosystem, as numerous incidents and science shows, and why the 2022...↓

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Comment From: Lynn Murphy

2/22/19 @ 3:53 AM

I oppose the renewal of Cooke Aquacultures petition as it takes away the natural food souce supporting the Orca whale population. Herring from the Salish Sea are used to make food pellets for the FARMED Atlantic Salmon. THose herring in nature feed ...↓

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Comment From: Debra Kaukol

2/22/19 @ 2:14 AM

For the Concern of our waters: Throw those pens away. When does Big corporations rule over our beloved waters. For their big money, they pollute, ruin our environment and destabilize our salmon environment. THROW THEM OUT....they do not belong here....↓

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Comment From: Stephanie Ross

2/21/19 @ 5:00 PM

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Comment From: Ellen and Ernie Williams

2/21/19 @ 5:00 PM

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Comment From: Rich Passage Estates HOA (Kathleen Hansen)

2/21/19 @ 5:00 PM

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Comment From: Lynda Cole

2/21/19 @ 1:36 PM

There is no place in Washington waters for these stinking pens. We could not live in the house we were renting when the pens were brought nearby. By allowing Atlantic Salmon you are killing the future of the Natural runs of salmon Washington State ha...↓

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Comment From: Coleman Byrnes

2/21/19 @ 1:27 PM

The Atlantic Net Pen industry has proven to be dishonest and unconcerned about the health of the Salish Sea. Do not issue any permits unless Cooke Industries the involved facilities will be monitored for compliance. Coleman Byrnes.

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Comment From: Sherri Stair

2/21/19 @ 9:33 AM

I am deeply concerned about the impact on non-native finfish farms in the Salish Sea as negligence by Cooke has caused a massive release of a diseased invasive species into our water, putting at risk native fish. Infected and chemically polluted dis...↓

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Comment From: Howard Emery

2/20/19 @ 6:57 AM

I strongly encourage reduction and elimination of pollutants, antibiotics, parasites into the waters of Puget Sound. Timing is critical as these factors further stress the wild salmon in these waters along with all of the other related life forms th...↓

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Comment From: Howard Emery

2/20/19 @ 6:45 AM

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Comment From: Kari Koski

2/20/19 @ 5:01 AM

It is irresponsible of Washington State to renew a lease to Cooke Aquaculture after such catastrophic failures of their facilities endangered wild salmon in both Washington State and British Columbia Canada. Enough concern regarding such operations p...↓

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Comment From: Polly Derr

2/20/19 @ 2:47 AM

I am strongly against any net pens in the Salish Sea area because of various kinds of contamination. Net pens are not naturally promoting wild salmon or other natural wild fish, but fatty, less desirable and less nutritious fish. They also allow for ...↓

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Comment From: Martha Hall

2/19/19 @ 9:05 AM

Thank you for the opportunity to submit comments. Thank you also for the informational meeting and hearing in Anacortes. I am submitting comments because I am concerned about risks involved in this action which will continue fish farming until 20...↓22. I appreciate the fact that the new state law will mean a phase out of these 4 sites with Atlantic salmon net pen, but between now and then, what are the risks of continuing this until 2022 - with the proposed and hopefully better safe guards? Please explain these risks to our Salish Sea and its native salmon species and other wildlife and ecosystems. Risk assessment is difficult at best. What were the perceived risks before the collapse of the net pen on Cypress Island and how much will these risks be reduced in the new permits with the additional requirements? What is the risk of another small or major release of Atlantic salmon into our waters as happened at Cypress Island? What is the risk of the Atlantic salmon in these pens coming down with a disease that might need to be treated and which might be transmitted to native fish? What is the risk of having to use antibiotics and what is the risk of putting these antibiotics into the ecosystems and wildlife in the Salish Sea? When all of these risks are combined, is it worth it to continue allowing these 4 sites to operate? Is the possibility of and cost of litigation if the permits are not issued - are these factors being considered as these permits are being renewed? How much money would be spent on this litigation before 2022 if the permits were denied as compared to the risks of issuing new permits? I also question why the permits do not include an estimation of the amount of pollution that they will allow as if often the case in permits for pollution? It seems like the permit should include the total amount of pollution that is being allowed in Puget Sound, including all parts of the operation such as the pounds of Atlantic salmon themselves, the amount of their feces, the amount of the food that is fed to the salmon, both consumed and not consumed, amount of expected antibiotics and other chemicals that might be added, the amount of added feces and other pollutants added when the fish nets are cleaned and serviced, etc. Shouldn't each of these be addressed and quantified in the permit and disclosed? Shouldn't the permits also identify the areas in the Puget Sound and possibly beyond that might be impacted by this point source of various forms of pollution from each facility? How far does each travel and what native species and ecosystems will come into contact with these pollutants? Shouldn't factors like nearness to especially rich or important habitats be considered, when assessing the impacts of these pollutants? For instance, a fish farm location that will impact major estuaries, such as the one near the mouth of the Skagit River, or near eelgrass beds might be unacceptable because of esp. high risks to native salmon and other native species. Many of us, from experience, have learned that sometimes the consultants and workers that are hired by companies like fish farms are not totally objective and honest in identifying and reporting problems. Yet, some of the safe guards being used in these permits depend on people and consultants hired by the owners, not hired by the State of Washington. These people have a vested interest that is very different from the interests of the public in our native salmon and in our marine resources. How can this problem be addressed so we, the public, are not having to depend on monitoring and reporting done by those employed by the owners of the fish nets? Is there a way to assess fees to pay a "third party" to do this monitoring and reporting, someone with no vested interest? However, shouldn't fish nets be cleaned on land to reduce the amount of pollution into the water which is far more serious? Might this be required in the new permits? We learned a lot from the collapse of the pens at Cypress Island, and unfortunately, one thing we learned was that we could not believe everything we were told by the owner and operator of the fish pens that collapsed. This should result in much tighter regulations that are monitored and reported on by "third parties" with no vested interest. Is it true that even after the company said the area had been totally cleaned up after removal of the fish farm, that this was not true when the area was checked by WA State? Because the pens are to be phased in 2022, what incentive is there for the company to invest a lot of money in improved facilities? How motivated are they to uphold the highest standards? It seems like this situation increases the need for third party monitoring and reporting. When will the NMFS and EPA complete their formal consultation under Section 7 of the ESA on EPA's approval of Ecology's sediment management standards for marine fish farms? Why doesn't it make sense to wait until those standards are finalized before acting on these new permits? Is there any reason not to wait for these standards? Is it possible to not allow use of these 4 sites until those standards can be considered before finalizing these permits? Could you explain whether WA State has the right to with-hold use of these 4 pens until that time and when those standards are expected to be finalized? Is there any chance that new and better ideas and standards will come out of that process, standards that should be part of this process? Related to that consultation, is the State of WA legally allowed to write new permits BEFORE that consultation is completed since it is expected sometime in the next 6 months? Weighing the risks involved, is NOT waiting a good choice for DNR and our state? Do the new permits adequately address air pollution? Anacortes, as well as other neighbors, have learned that the netting becomes very foul and net cleaning and storage creates a huge amount of air pollution. Who is responsible for these and how are these to be limited to a standard that is acceptable? Will this be monitored and if so, by who? Will the new permits also address lighting and how that will be limited and monitored so it is acceptable and does not increase predation of native salmon stocks in adjacent areas? What is known about the predation of native salmon and other native fish near fish pens, fish that may have been attracted by the fish pens over what might be normal predation by gulls, herons,seals, etc? Could you explain the extent that fish farm nets attract native salmon species and other native fish species and other native species, through food, etc. and how much this might contribute to predation on these native species? How much of a factor is this in the areas where these 4 facilities are located? One is located near the estuary of one of our most important rivers, the Skagit River, where we have spent millions of dollars to improve salmon habitat. Let's hope we have many native salmon migrating through and using this area at different times of the year. Please explain how lighting impacts this predation. How could these impacts be mitigated? What studies have been done to show how many and what species of native fish and wildlife are attracted to these fish farms, how much time they spend near and, when possible, in the net pens, and what the impact is on these species? Doesn't the current disperse the feed in fish pens over a wide area which would attract other fish and wildlife from a wide area? How wide an area is effected at these 4 sites? At the presentation in Anacortes, we heard about studies of areas directly below the pens to see recovery times and rates, but doesn't the impact spread much farther and do these studies capture the data when the net pens are being used? It seems not. How is harvesting of the fish monitored? If native fish including salmon do enter the pens, are they too harvested? What studies have been done to show if this is a problem and if so, how serious is it? Are injuries and deaths reported? If so, what have they been in past operations? Could that information be shared? If these fish, dead or injured, are discarded, how has this monitored and reported in the past? Is there an unintentional take of endangered salmon and of other native fish species that is allowed? When pharmaceuticals and other chemicals are used in fish farms, how much of these are consumed by native fish near and in the pens? Is it known if the level is safe for human consumption if these fish are caught within a few days and eaten by humans and other species such as seals and herons? Have these been tested for safe levels on all species consuming these pharmaceuticals and chemicals? Do we know how far other species and fish who consume these substances are traveling? Is the public warned to not consume fish caught in the area during this time? Are any of these substances ones that are contributing to the increasing problem we are having with the effectiveness of our standard antibiotics in humans and other animals? Should this pollution from pharmaceuuticals and other chemicals be added to the amount of these substances that is entering Puget Sound from stormwater and from water treatment plants where these are not removed? How much of a problem do these substances present to the health of our marine waters and the wildlife that live in these waters? Have the levels of these substances been tested in native fish near net pens when these substances are being used and afterwards? Is it higher than areas where there are no fish farms? Is the discharge of pathogens found in farmed fish in fish farms considered a hazardous waste? Should it be? How likely is it that native salmon and other species would be infected? What is the infection rate found in studies when there have been outbreaks? The threshold explain at the meeting seemed far too low before treatment and before total removal of the fish. Are the pathogens found in farmed fish in fish farms more common in fish farms than in our native species? If so, this seems like a risk that may not be acceptable. Congregating many animals in a small area always increases the risk of disease and creates the need to use antibiotics. If native salmon and other species also congregate in higher numbers around fish farms, this too needs to be considered when calculating risks of fish farms infecting our native fish. Finally, I support requiring large bonds from the owners, up front, that will adequately cover any need at any time to remove pens, in 2022 or before, as part of the permits, if permits are issued. What did full removal and clean-up at Cypress Island cost? How much of this was paid by the State of WA and our tax payers, costs such as monitoring, etc. ? Thank you again for allowing me to comment. Like many, I see no way to safely farm fish in net pens floating in our marine waters. So much has been learned since the original permits were approved. So much more has not yet been learned. Is it worth the risks to continue this practice until 2022? What would it cost to NOT issue new permits for discharge of pollutants? Maybe paying the legal costs makes sense. I hope the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Ecology, and the WA Department of Fish and Game will begin to consider the value of natural ecosystems that are left to be natural, that are not rented out, leased, or otherwise disturbed. Many of our state's lands might have far more value if they were not leased out for cattle or sheep grazing - values that result from healthier streams and riparian areas, more forage for wildlife, and far more value as recreational areas. The same might be true of some of our state's forest lands. Natural ecosystems provide many services that have not been adequately identified and quantified. It is time for us to do this so we will understand their value. Martha Hall Anacortes, WA pondfrog.mh@gmail.com

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Comment From: Cooke Aquaculture Pacific (Kevin Bright)

2/11/19 @ 7:56 AM

I encourage Ecology to use the best available science in setting regulations and conditions of the NPDES permits for aquaculture. The 2010 BE updated EPA's data and analysis; however, its conclusions are unchanged from those articulated in the...↓

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Comment From: Don Heppenstall

2/11/19 @ 4:38 AM

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Comment From: Cooke Aquaculture Pacific (Kevin Bright)

2/11/19 @ 4:37 AM

UPDATE TO THE BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION SUBMITTED APRIL 17 AND AUGUST 6, 2008, REGARDING EPA ACTION ON WASHINGTON'S MARINE FINFISH REARING FACILITY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THE SEDIMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS PREPARED FOR: NATIONAL MARINE FISHERI...↓

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Comment From: Marlene Finley

2/10/19 @ 10:00 AM

After reviewing the information on the Department of Ecology website and attending the presentation in Anacortes, I am remain concerned about the possible transfer of diseases and parasites from farmed salmon held in pens and wild salmon. I fear for...↓

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Comment From: Nikolas Mardesich

2/10/19 @ 3:45 AM

Open-Net Pen Atlantic Salmon aquaculture should have no business in our waters. This practice has proven time and time again to be degrading and detrimental to our regions water quality and way of life. Any new applications for renewals of salmon far...↓

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Comment From: Bruce Freet

2/08/19 @ 3:42 AM

The onus to prove no harm on natural resources should be upon the permittee or applicant, not on WDOE to devise monitoring protocols. Based upon research on salmon farms worldwide, they contribute significantly to local water pollution such as redu...↓

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Comment From: Emily Mansfield

2/07/19 @ 8:16 AM

I am strongly in favor of a complete ban on fish farming in the waters of the State of Washington as soon as possible and sooner than 2022. I have spent a good bit of my 50 years of Washington residence on the waters of the Salish Sea kayaking, saili...↓

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Comment From: PAUL E groesbeck

2/07/19 @ 7:13 AM

Keep fish farms out of the NW!

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Comment From: jean groesbeck

2/07/19 @ 7:13 AM

I feel that farm-raised salmon should not be allowed in open pens. In Canada, they are raising some in closed in a swimming pool like facilities. PLEASE!!! Keep the pollution and dyes out of our waters!!!!

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Comment From: ECY-Bainbridge Hearing Transcr... (Laurie Niewolny)

2/06/19 @ 5:00 PM

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Comment From: ECY-Anacortes Hearing Transcri... (Laurie Niewolny)

2/04/19 @ 5:00 PM

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Comment From: Steve Miller

1/24/19 @ 7:59 AM

I strongly oppose issuing permits of any kind to Cooke Aquaculture for any additional efforts to re-start their Atlantic salmon pen activities. I have actively followed Cooke's performance for some time, including speaking to neighbors who live near...↓

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Comment From: Norb Ziegler

1/24/19 @ 4:27 AM

I am strongly opposed to issuing any additional permits to Cooke Aquaculture for their Atlantic salmon net pens. Based on their past performance, which put our native salmon (wild and hatchery raised) and other marine life at risk, they should not be...↓

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Comment From: Larry Franks

1/23/19 @ 4:09 AM

I am opposed to renewing the net pen permits under consideration. Governor Inslee's intent was clear, to remove the risks of net pen rearing of Atlantic salmon in the waters of Washington State, respecting current laws and existing permits. The pro...↓

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Comment From: Janise and Steve Hawes

1/22/19 @ 10:48 AM

We own a beach cabin on Guemes Island directly across Bellingham Channel from the Cypress Island fish pens. We have fished for hatchery silver salmon, casting from the beach, every summer for the past 20 years. We have caught escaped Atlantic salmon ...↓

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Comment From: Larry Demmert

1/20/19 @ 9:59 AM

This shouldn't be allowed as Farmed salmon are a major pollutant and they are a major detriment to Orca whales! I am totally against any aquaculture permits!

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Comment From: Brian Muldoon

1/16/19 @ 12:24 AM

Dear Board Members, Please do not issue any more licences to Cooke Aquaculture. They have a terrible record, more accidents will happen. Open Pen Fish Farms should be on land, don't destroy your environment. Thank You, Brian

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Comment From: Wolfgang Rain

1/15/19 @ 6:43 PM

No net pen operations for non-native salmon species can be deemed "safe" for our beleaguered salmon populations. Concentrating salmon in net pens creates toxic centers of pollution, lice and potential vector sites for deadly viruses. There are good ...↓

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Comment From: Darryl POPE

1/15/19 @ 9:25 AM

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Comment From: Melinda Randles

1/13/19 @ 5:00 PM

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Comment From: Marlene Hansen

1/13/19 @ 5:00 PM

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Comment From: Karen Gardiner

1/13/19 @ 5:00 PM

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Comment From: Carol Sullivan

1/10/19 @ 5:00 PM

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Comment From: John Dentler

1/09/19 @ 10:57 PM

The USDA recommends at least two servings of seafood per week. It is clear that U.S. consumers are not eating sufficient quantities of seafood. Seafood, including fish, are comprised of protein, minerals, vitamins and many complex fatty acids essen...↓

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Comment From: Maureen Hayden

1/09/19 @ 2:30 PM

Please make absolutely sure to increase all net monitoring, water quality issues and effect measures to decrease irresponsible and irreversible damage that Atlantic Salmon farms are doing in the Salish Sea. The demonstrated incompetance of Cooke Indu...↓

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Comment From: Sally Steen

1/08/19 @ 5:00 PM

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Comment From: Judith Baker

1/08/19 @ 5:00 PM

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Comment From: Daniel Swecker

1/08/19 @ 2:45 AM

Atlantic salmon are the best species to raise in net pens in Puget Sound and Washington State. An ideal species would: Not establish runs in WA waters Not cross breed with local populations Not eat local fish Not eat the feed that local fish po...↓

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Comment From: Julie Rabeau

1/06/19 @ 6:30 AM

"To WA Department of Ecology: Regarding the renewed permit for Cooke Aquaculture, I am requesting Additional protective measures be added o the permit to include: • Increasing underwater video monitoring of net pens. • Conducting inspection...↓

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Comment From: Bill Bryden

1/06/19 @ 4:52 AM

I see no reference to pathogen and parasite limits and enforceable repercussions. Also no limits on neurotoxin and antibiotics usage rates and amounts per treatment. These are serious oversights. Please correct this.

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Comment From: Jim Thomson

1/05/19 @ 7:56 AM

I am against aquaculture involving Atlantic Salmon or any salmon in salt water locations in Washington State. I believe the risks related to pollution, disease as well as the consequences of accidental release should not be undertaken. I further b...↓

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Comment From: Hans Flockoi

1/05/19 @ 7:39 AM

Please don't issue these permits. Everything on the planet relies on clean water and food, these fish are neither. I know the research is out there to support both sides, please use your own heart and listen, it will tell you it's a mistake to allow ...↓

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Comment From: Forest Shomer

1/05/19 @ 7:33 AM

I support Ecology's rules to govern net-pen operations during the interim period--before the ban becomes operational in 2022. Had Cooke operated in an open manner, instead of behind barbed-wire fences for many years, it's possible that observant ne...↓

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Comment From: Eleanor Mattice

1/05/19 @ 7:02 AM

Please do not allow salmon farms in the Puget Sound or in the ocean. They spread disease that kills our native stocks. Keep fish farms inland far away from our native salmon. Our salmon are already at risk for extinction and we certainly don't need ...↓

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Comment From: Tara Doran

1/04/19 @ 10:46 AM

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Comment From: Heather Nicholson

1/04/19 @ 10:37 AM

I am requesting Additional protective measures be added o the permit to include: • Increasing underwater video monitoring of net pens. • Conducting inspections to assess structural integrity of the net pens and submit inspection reports certified b...↓

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Comment From: Sea Shepherd Seattle (Christopher Joyce)

1/04/19 @ 9:52 AM

To WA Department of Ecology: Regarding the renewed permit for Cooke Aquaculture, We believe that NO PERMIT be renewed, but understand it has been, so we are requesting additional protective measures be added on the permit to include: • Increasing ...↓

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Comment From: Vanessa Castle

1/04/19 @ 4:43 AM

The net pens for farmed Atlantic salmon are devistating the heath and safety of our waters. Atlantic Salmon carry many diseases and excrete these diseases into our waterways that our local native salmon populations swim through. Our salmon in the Pac...↓

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Comment From: Sharon Fleming

1/04/19 @ 3:13 AM

I am opposed to allowing net pen farming, The damage which has already been caused by allowing net pen farming of non-native species should be enough cause to deny any future applications.

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Comment From: Laurie Watt

1/04/19 @ 12:20 AM

Here in the Canadian province of British Columbia our provincial and federal governments allow open net-cage Atlantic salmon feedlots. We congratulate Washington State for joining all other US Pacific coast states in banning this industry due to the ...↓

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Comment From: Annalee Depositario

1/03/19 @ 10:02 AM

Please don't endanger our wild and hatchery salmon. There is plenty of farm raised salmon farms let's not put our lucrative salmon fisheries in jeopardy. We have already seen the damage they can cause.

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Comment From: Wendy Sampson

1/03/19 @ 8:41 AM

Please do not allow any Atlantic fish farming to take place here.

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Comment From: Lance Magnuson

1/03/19 @ 3:51 AM

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen- I am a born and raised Washingtonian for 60 years. My father commercially fished for salmon in the San Juan Islands. An activity that fed and clothed our family during my youth. I have recently retired from the seafood i...↓

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Comment From: Dan Maul

1/02/19 @ 10:57 AM

While I am by no means an expert on the issue of fish farms, I do feel well enough informed about both sides of the issue from reading, media coverage and discussions with people who have more experience to make these comments. I won't belabor the fi...↓

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Comment From: Tracy McCallum

12/27/18 @ 1:46 PM

I am opposed to any and all fish net pen operations in Washington State and any and all waters off the Pacific coast of Washington, or in the tributaries leading to the Pacific Ocean, such as Puget Sound, Strait of Juan de Fuca, Columbia River and Ba...↓

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