(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to cultivate aquatic products (private sector cultured aquatic products as defined under RCW 15.85.020(3)) without the aquatic farmer having first registered the aquatic farm with the department. Any aquatic farm must be registered with the department prior to the commencement of culture activities. The department shall grant registration to qualified persons within seven days of the receipt of a complete aquatic farm registration form.

(2) Aquatic farm registrations are nontransferable. In the event there is a change of ownership of an aquatic fish farm established under chapter 220-370 WAC the aquatic farm registration issued to the previous owner shall be invalid.

(3) Registrations must be renewed annually, prior to December 31 for the succeeding calendar year. Reporting of aquaculture activity (WAC 220-370-160) during the previous calendar year shall constitute renewal for the following year.