The bill addresses the significant challenges faced by shellfish farmers in Washington due to burrowing shrimp infestations, which have been exacerbated by the loss of effective pest control methods. In 2014, shellfish growers lost their primary tool for managing these infestations, leading to reduced productivity and damage to the surrounding ecosystem. The legislation aims to establish a program within the Washington State Department of Agriculture to coordinate research into innovative control methods for burrowing shrimp, with a focus on enhancing the resilience and productivity of shellfish farming. This program will be funded subject to appropriations and is set to expire on July 1, 2035.

To facilitate this research, the bill creates a governing board composed of representatives from various state departments, shellfish growers, processors, and relevant stakeholders. This board will oversee the integrated pest management research program, ensuring collaboration among researchers and stakeholders to develop effective solutions. The governing board is tasked with reviewing research proposals, guiding funding expenditures, and meeting quarterly to discuss strategies for controlling burrowing shrimp. The bill emphasizes the need for practical and effective control methods while excluding funding for previously ineffective approaches, with the governing board's activities also set to expire on July 1, 2035.