5666-S AMH FW WATS01

SSB 5666 - H COMM AMDS

By Committee on Fisheries & Wildlife

     On page 2, line 1, after "action" strike "under RCW 75.08.012 and 77.12.240"

     On page 2, beginning on line 3, strike section 2.

     Renumber sections consecutively and correct internal references accordingly.

SSB 5666 - H COMM AMD

By Committee on Fisheries & Wildlife

     On page 3, beginning on line 1, strike all of subsection (3) and insert:

     "(3) Where the department or the department of fisheries have determined that marine mammals are preventing the achievement of escapement goals for identified anadromous fish runs, the department shall pursue all available options in order to gain authority from the National Marine Fisheries Service to take marine mammals.  Taking shall include harassing, hunting, capturing, or killing marine mammals, or attempting any of these actions.  The department shall make every effort within its authority to control these marine mammals so that escapement goals can be reached."

     "NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.  The department of fisheries shall support the department of wildlife in its efforts under this act to gain authority from the National Marine Fisheries Service to control marine mammals."

SSB 5666 - H COMM AMD

By Committee on Fisheries & Wildlife

     On page 1, strike line 2 of the title and insert "77.12.240; and creating new sections."

EFFECT:  Removes the requirement that the Department of Fisheries pursue all available options to gain authority from the National Marine Fisheries Service to take marine mammals, and instead requires the Department of Fisheries to support the Department of Wildlife in its efforts to gain authority to take marine mammals.  Replaces the requirement that the Department of Wildlife pursue all available options for lethal removal with a requirement that the Department pursue all available options for taking, which includes harassment, hunting, capture, or killing.  Constrains the required actions by the Department of Wildlife to situations in which escapement goals for anadromous fish are not being met due to marine mammals predation.