What is the purpose of this permit?
The Department of Health (DOH) Commercial Shellfish Licensing & Certification Program is responsible for certifying Washington state commercial shellfish operation sites that are commercially harvested. A variety of species are harvested commercially in Washington's Puget Sound and coastal regions, including oysters, clams, mussels, geoduck, and scallops. Since these species are filter feeders capable of concentrating chemicals, bacteria, viruses, or marine biotoxins, an ongoing evaluation of commercial shellfish growing areas, certified harvest sites, and licensed facilities is essential to protect the shellfish-consuming public.
Where can I get the application for this permit?
The application is called '
Application for Tribal Bait Harvest Site Certification and Bait Harvest Permit' is online and can be accessed at
https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/shellfish/commercial-shellfish/apply-license.
Is the decision on my permit dependent on anything besides the information in my application?
All operations must meet stringent state and federal sanitation standards.
How long will it take to review my application?
Within 14 days of receipt of complete application and all required fees
Where do I submit my application?
Washington State Department of Health
Account Receivable
PO Box 1099
Olympia, WA 98504-7824
Or by email at shellfish@doh.wa.gov
If you already have a Shellfish Operation License and want to add more harvest sites, send your application to:
Washington State Department of Health
Office of Environmental Health and Safety
Post Office Box 47824
Olympia, WA 98504-7824
Or by email at shellfish@doh.wa.gov
What is the appeal process for the permit?
An applicant has the right to an adjudicative proceeding to contest the decision. An adjudicative proceeding is governed by the Administrative Procedure Act Chapter 34.05 RCW.
Permit Timeliness Results
Permit Timeliness data collection is in response to a State Auditor’s Performance Audit and RCW 43.42A. Each regulatory agency developed a plan to improve permit clarity, predictability, and timeliness. Each agency considers the customers experience to ensure permit assistance is simple to use, easy to access, and designed in a customer-friendly manner. Agencies report progress to the Governor’s Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA). ORIA prepares and distributes reports, with participation from the State Auditor’s Office and Results Washington. See latest report here: https://www.oria.wa.gov/ORIA-2020-PermitTimelinessProgressReport.pdf.
All permits submitted for reporting were entered into this Regulatory Handbook. Here are the results of the performance data:
Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Process a Permit Application (Definition)Average number of days from Receipt to Complete: 1Maximum number of days from Receipt to Complete: 1Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Issue a Permit Decision (Definition)Average number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 34.3Maximum number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 56(Summary results based on 3 submittals in 2020, no data for current year)
Where can I get permitting assistance?
Web page URL:
https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/shellfish/commercial-shellfishHelpdesk phone: (360) 236-3330; or (800) 525-0127 or TTY users dial 711