# RCW 77.135.030: RCW 77.135.030: Classification of species—Rules > Washington · Statutes · In force URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C135_S030 ## Section - **Citation:** RCW 77.135.030 - **Heading:** RCW 77.135.030: Classification of species—Rules - **Jurisdiction:** Washington - **Kind:** Statutes - **Status:** In force - **Text as of:** August 14, 2026 - **Source:** Compiled text - **Location:** Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 135 / Section 030 ## Text (1) The department, in consultation with the invasive species council, may classify or reclassify and list by rule nonnative aquatic animal species as prohibited level 1, level 2, or level 3, based on the degree of invasive risk, the type of management action required, and resources available to conduct the management action. (a) Species classified as prohibited level 1 pose a high invasive risk and are a priority for prevention and expedited rapid response management actions. (b) Species classified as prohibited level 2 pose a high invasive risk and are a priority for long-term infested site management actions. (c) Species classified as prohibited level 3 pose a moderate to high invasive risk and may be appropriate for prevention, rapid response, or other prohibited species management plan actions by the department, another agency, a local government, tribes, or the public. (2) The department, in consultation with the invasive species council, may classify and list by rule regulated type A species. This classification is used for nonnative aquatic animal species that pose a low to moderate invasive risk that can be managed based on intended use or geographic scope of introduction, have a beneficial use, and are a priority for department-led or department-approved management of the species' beneficial use and invasive risks. (3) Nonnative aquatic animal species not classified as prohibited level 1, level 2, or level 3 under subsection (1) of this section, or as regulated type A species under subsection (2) of this section, are automatically managed statewide as regulated type B species or regulated type C species and do not require listing by rule. (a) Species managed as regulated type B pose a low or unknown invasive risk and are possessed for personal or commercial purposes, such as for aquariums, live food markets, or as nondomesticated pets. (b) Species managed as regulated type C pose a low or unknown invasive risk and include all other species that do not meet the criteria for management as a regulated type B invasive species. (4) Classification of prohibited and regulated species: (a) May be by individual species or larger taxonomic groups up to the family name; (b) Must align, as practical and appropriate, with regional and national classification levels; (c) Must be statewide unless otherwise designated by a water body, property, or other geographic region or area; and (d) May define general possession and introduction conditions acceptable under department authorization, a permit, or as otherwise provided by rule. (5) Prior to or at the time of classifying species by rule as prohibited or regulated under subsections (1) and (2) of this section, the department, in consultation with the invasive species council, must adopt rules establishing standards for determining invasive risk levels and criteria for determining beneficial use that take into consideration environmental impacts, and especially effects on the preservation of native species, salmon recovery, and threatened or endangered species. ## Nearby sections - [RCW 77.135.010 RCW 77.135.010: Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C135_S010.md) - [RCW 77.135.020 RCW 77.135.020: Department is lead agency for managing invasive species—Responsibilities—Limitation of chapter.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C135_S020.md) - [RCW 77.135.030 RCW 77.135.030: Classification of species—Rules.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C135_S030.md) - [RCW 77.135.040 RCW 77.135.040: Prohibited and regulated species—Required authorization.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C135_S040.md) - [RCW 77.135.050 RCW 77.135.050: Department-declared quarantine.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C135_S050.md) - [RCW 77.135.060 RCW 77.135.060: Rapid response management actions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C135_S060.md) - [RCW 77.135.070 RCW 77.135.070: Infested site management actions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C135_S070.md) - [RCW 77.135.080 RCW 77.135.080: Implementation of department's duties—Department is lead agency—Notice.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C135_S080.md) - [RCW 77.135.090 RCW 77.135.090: Emergency measures.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C135_S090.md) - [RCW 77.135.100 RCW 77.135.100: Aquatic conveyance—Certificate of inspection—Adoption of rules.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C135_S100.md) - [RCW 77.135.110 RCW 77.135.110: Aquatic conveyance—Clean and drain requirements—Enforcement—Adoption of rules.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C135_S110.md) - [RCW 77.135.120 RCW 77.135.120: Mandatory check stations.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C135_S120.md) - [RCW 77.135.130 RCW 77.135.130: Decontamination order.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C135_S130.md) - [RCW 77.135.140 RCW 77.135.140: Person aggrieved or adversely affected by department's action—Hearing.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C135_S140.md) --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C135_S030. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.