SB 5625
In CommitteeSenate
State clam/Pacific geoduck
Designating the Pacific geoduck as the state clam.
This status may be delayed. See Action History below for the latest updates.
How does a bill become law?
- Introduced: The bill is filed and assigned a number.
- Committee: A subject-matter committee holds hearings, takes public testimony, and decides whether to advance the bill.
- Floor Vote: The full chamber (House or Senate) debates and votes on the bill.
- Opposite Chamber: The bill repeats the committee and floor vote process in the other chamber.
- Governor: The Governor reviews the bill and decides whether to sign or veto it.
- Signed: The bill has been signed into law.
AI Analysis
This bill officially names the Pacific geoduck as Washington’s state clam to honor its cultural, economic, and ecological significance to the state. It does not change any regulations or management practices — only adds symbolic recognition to state law.
- Designates the Pacific geoduck (*Panopea generosa*) as the official state clam of Washington.
- Adds this designation to the state's official symbols code in chapter 1.20 RCW.
- Uses the scientific name *Panopea generosa* and common name Pacific geoduck to ensure clarity and accuracy.
- Does not change any existing laws about harvesting, regulation, or management of geoducks — only adds symbolic recognition.
Who is affected
- Tribal nations and Indigenous communities — This designation recognizes the cultural, economic, and ecological importance of the Pacific geoduck to Washington's coastal communities and Indigenous tribes, especially those involved in harvesting, aquaculture, and conservation efforts.
- Commercial geoduck industry workers and businesses — Commercial harvesters, aquaculture farms, and seafood processors that rely on geoduck harvesting and sales may benefit from increased public awareness and symbolic recognition of the species.
- State natural resource management agencies — State agencies responsible for managing marine resources (e.g., Department of Fish and Wildlife) may see increased public interest or educational opportunities tied to the official designation.
- General public — Residents and visitors may gain greater appreciation for Washington’s marine biodiversity and local heritage through educational outreach and signage related to the state clam.
Pro/Con Analysis
Stronger case for benefits
Potential Benefits (5)
Symbolic recognition of the Pacific geoduck may foster greater public awareness and stewardship of marine ecosystems, potentially encouraging responsible harvesting practices and supporting long-term resource sustainability.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Sec. 1, adding to chapter 1.20 RCWThe official designation provides an opportunity for educational outreach—e.g., school curricula, signage at beaches and aquaculture sites—helping residents and visitors better understand Washington’s marine biodiversity and Indigenous cultural connections to the species.
EducationPeopleRef: Sec. 1, adding to chapter 1.20 RCWTribal nations and coastal communities—many of which rely on geoduck harvesting and stewardship—may benefit from increased visibility and legitimacy of their cultural and economic role, potentially strengthening local identity and supporting community-based conservation efforts.
Local GovernmentPeopleRef: Sec. 1, adding to chapter 1.20 RCWWhile not directly funded, symbolic recognition may modestly boost tourism and marketing appeal for local geoduck-related businesses (e.g., seafood festivals, farm tours), potentially supporting small-scale commercial harvesters and processors in Puget Sound regions.
Business & EmploymentPeopleRef: Sec. 1, adding to chapter 1.20 RCWElevating the geoduck’s profile may reinforce public support for science-based management of marine habitats, indirectly supporting ecosystem health and resilience—particularly in vulnerable estuaries where geoducks are harvested.
EnvironmentPeopleRef: Sec. 1, adding to chapter 1.20 RCW
Who Is Most Affected
Tribal nations and Indigenous communities—especially Coastal Salish peoples—have deep cultural, spiritual, and economic ties to the geoduck. This symbolic designation affirms their stewardship role and may reinforce treaty-reserved harvesting rights in public discourse, though it carries no legal weight.
Commercial geoduck harvesters and small-scale aquaculture operations may benefit from increased public goodwill and marketing opportunities, but the bill imposes no regulatory changes or financial incentives—so any economic benefit is indirect and uncertain.
State agencies (e.g., WDFW) may gain new educational leverage or public engagement opportunities, but the bill adds no new funding or authority—so operational impact is minimal and symbolic.
General residents may feel increased pride in local ecology and heritage, and students may benefit from new teaching materials—but the bill has no direct effect on daily life, costs, or rights.
Environmental advocacy groups may use the designation to highlight marine conservation, but without new protections or funding, the impact remains rhetorical rather than material.