H-737                _______________________________________________

                                                    HOUSE BILL NO. 239

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State of Washington                              49th Legislature                              1985 Regular Session

By Representatives Sutherland and Belcher

Read first time 1/25/85 and referred to Committee on Natural Resources.

AN ACT Relating to the department of fisheries; and creating new sections.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.     The legislature finds that:

          (1) The department of fisheries plays an important role in managing the state's fish resources.

          (2) International, national, and local actions affect fisheries and the environment which they inhabit.  These actions may take place in the judicial or legislative process or in the physical environment.

          (3) Changes in the habitat of fishery resources can have serious consequences affecting the abundance and distribution of the state's fisheries.

          (4) It is in the state's best interest to anticipate potential problems and take steps to mitigate against them in a timely manner.

          (5) A long-term plan for resource management by the department of fisheries would benefit the citizens and the fisheries of the state.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.     The legislature directs the department of fisheries to prepare a long-term strategic plan for Washington's fishery resources.  The plan shall include but not be limited to:  Habitat maintenance; salmon enhancement; marine and shellfish management; public involvement; judicial impacts; and enforcement activities.  The plan shall be submitted to the legislature by January 1, 1986.