SENATE BILL REPORT

                           SJM 8030

              AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 11, 1994

Brief Description:  Requesting a modification of the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

SPONSORS: Senators Oke, Owen, Hochstatter, Hargrove, Roach, Erwin, L. Smith, Spanel, Haugen and Snyder

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

     Signed by Senators Owen, Chairman; Hargrove, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Erwin, Franklin, Haugen, Oke, Sellar, Snyder and Spanel.

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786‑7413)

Hearing Dates: February 2, 1994; February 4, 1994

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON FISHERIES & WILDLIFE

BACKGROUND:

Marine mammals have increased their populations since the Marine Mammal Protection Act afforded them federal protection.  Marine mammals are causing significant predation on anadromous fish, some stocks which are threatened or endangered.

Killing of some predacious seals and sea lions is currently prohibited, but many persons who are interested in increasing anadromous fish have advocated killing of these creatures.

SUMMARY:

Congress is urged to modify the Marine Mammal Protection Act to allow for the killing of predacious seals and sea lions in order to increase survival of anadromous fish runs.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

Seals and sea lions are causing excessive mortality to anadromous fish.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Ken Paige, Charter Boat Assn. of Puget Sound (pro); Dan Wood, The Umbrella Group (pro)

HOUSE AMENDMENT(S):

A technical correction is made to the references concerning the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act.