S-1554               _______________________________________________

                                         SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 5533

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State of Washington                               51st Legislature                              1989 Regular Session

By Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Senators Rasmussen, Hansen, Vognild, Patterson, Thorsness, Conner, Metcalf, Benitz, Saling and Nelson)

Read first time 2/9/89.

AN ACT Relating to protecting salmon and steelhead; amending RCW 75.08.012 and 77.12.240; and creating a new section.

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

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.     The legislature finds that seals and sea lions have increased to such a degree under the protection of the Magnuson federal mammal act that they now endanger other natural resources, including steelhead and salmon.

          The state departments of wildlife and fisheries are wasting thousands of dollars and countless hours shooting firecrackers and water cannons, along with expending much time and money spreading nets that are useless to prevent serious steelhead and salmon losses.

          The Magnuson federal mammal protection act contains a provision to solve this problem by appropriate action.  The legislature now empowers the department of fisheries and the department of wildlife to take appropriate action under sections 2 and 3 of this act to protect this state's steelhead and salmon resources.

        Sec. 2.  Section 3, chapter 112, Laws of 1949 as last amended by section 5, chapter 46, Laws of 1983 1st ex. sess. and RCW 75.08.012 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The department shall preserve, protect, perpetuate and manage the food fish and shellfish in state waters and offshore waters.

(2) The department shall conserve the food fish and shellfish resources in a manner that does not impair the resource.  In a manner consistent with this goal, the department shall seek to maintain the economic well-being and stability of the fishing industry in the state.  The department shall promote orderly fisheries and shall enhance and improve recreational and commercial fishing in this state.

(3) The department shall remove or destroy any nonendangered marine mammals which are reducing the state's salmon or steelhead population.

        Sec. 3.  Section 77.12.240, chapter 36, Laws of 1955 as last amended by section 33, chapter 506, Laws of 1987 and RCW 77.12.240 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The director may authorize the removal or killing of wildlife that is destroying or injuring property, or when it is necessary for wildlife management or research.

(2) The director or other employees of the department shall dispose    of wildlife taken or possessed by them under this title in the manner determined by the director to be in the best interest of the state.  Skins or furs shall be sold at public auction at a time and location determined by the director.  Proceeds from the sales shall be deposited in the state treasury to be credited to the state wildlife fund.

(3) The department shall remove or destroy any nonendangered marine mammals which are reducing the state's salmon or steelhead population.