On page 10, after line 8, insert the following:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 13.  "A new section is added to chapter 79.10 RCW to read as follows:

(1) Within existing appropriations, the department must identify state-owned aquatic lands suitable for lease to nonnative net pen aquaculture operators and report its findings to the department, relevant legislative standing committees, and all marine net pen aquaculture operators in the state by December 1, 2018.

(2) Within three months of submitting the evaluation, the department must offer for lease any state-owned lands suitable for production of native salmon aquaculture at levels at least equivalent to the 2016 production of Atlantic salmon in Washington state.

(3) Net pen aquaculture operators with Atlantic salmon net pen operations in state marine waters on the effective date of this section must be given preference when offering identified lands for lease."

On page 1, line 5 of the title, after " 90.48 RCW;" insert "adding a new section to chapter 79.10 RCW;"

EFFECT: DNR is required to identify and offer for lease suitable aquatic lands for production of native salmon aquaculture at levels at least equivalent to the 2016 production of Atlantic salmon in Washington state. Such leases shall be offered preferentially to operators of Atlantic salmon net pens impacted by the phase-out of Atlantic salmon net pen aquaculture.