HOUSE BILL REPORT
HJM 4000
As Reported by House Committee On:
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Brief Description: Recognizing the international year of the salmon.
Sponsors: Representatives Lekanoff, Robertson, Ramel, Pollet, Reed and Doglio.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Agriculture and Natural Resources: 1/27/23, 2/3/23 [DP].
Brief Summary of Joint Memorial
  • Affirms the Legislature's support for recognizing 2019 as the International Year of the Salmon (IYS) and the research efforts that were a part of the IYS initiative.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by 10 members:Representatives Chapman, Chair; Morgan, Vice Chair; Reeves, Vice Chair; Dent, Ranking Minority Member; Chandler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Kloba, Lekanoff, Orcutt, Schmick and Springer.
Staff: Rebecca Lewis (786-7339).
Background:

The International Year of the Salmon (IYS) was an initiative of the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization (NASCO) and the North Pacific Anadromous Fish Commission (NPAFC), with the stated goal to create awareness and foster understanding of the issues facing wild salmon and their impact on the communities that benefit from the resource.  The focal year of the IYS was 2019, with IYS-related activities continuing through 2022. 

 

Activities associated with the IYS included education, research, and outreach.  For research activities in collaboration with the scientific community, the NASCO and the NPAFC identified broad research themes, including:  (1) understanding the current status of salmon and their environments; (2) natural and man-made factors impacting salmon abundance; (3) new methods and technologies in salmon science; (4) connecting salmon-dependent communities to improve resiliency; and (5) developing information systems to support future research.
Summary of Bill:

The Legislature affirms its support for recognizing 2019 as the International Year of the Salmon, and for continued investment in wild salmon recovery.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Although the International Year of the Salmon (IYS) was in 2019, Washington would join other states such as Alaska, Oregon, and California, as well as British Columbia to recognize this important initiative.  Salmon has become a priority for the Legislature, and more bills pertaining to salmon have been introduced this session than in previous years.  Showing support for the IYS supports the important work that is being done with comanagers to protect salmon.


(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Debra Lekanoff, prime sponsor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.