HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 1406

             As Reported By House Committee on:

                  Natural Resources & Parks

Title:  An act relating to ocean resources information.

Brief Description:  Creating a liaison program for oceanographic information.

Sponsor(s):  Representatives Jacobsen, Basich and Bowman.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Natural Resources & Parks, February 12, 1991, DP.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS

Majority Report: Do pass.  Signed by 9 members:  Representatives Belcher, Chair; Scott, Vice Chair; Brumsickle, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Dellwo; Fraser; Hargrove; Riley; Sheldon; and Wynne.

Minority Report: Without recommendation.  Signed by 2 members:  Representatives Beck, Ranking Minority Member and Morton.

Staff:  Marilee Scarbrough (786-7196).

Background:  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has the primary federal responsibility for monitoring the ecological changes of the earth.  NOAA collects, stores and makes available environmental data.  The data is used to develop predictions on environmental changes which are important to the nation.

Marine environmental information collected by NOAA is useful in national defense, energy exploration and development, maritime transportation, marine ecosystem analysis, fishery management, marine weather forecasting, and search and rescue missions.  Coastal communities can use the information to resolve issues such as water quality, recreation, marine pollution, coastal sedimentation, and beach erosion.

In 1988 NOAA created the Center for Ocean Analysis and Prediction (COAP) in Monterey, California.  The center is designed to facilitate the exchange of environmental information acquired by NOAA.  The primary purpose of COAP is to support NOAA through the development and dissemination of products that describe and predict the variability of biological, chemical, and physical processes in the U.S. coastal waters and global oceans.

Summary of Bill:  The state of Washington is authorized to participate in a liaison program with Alaska, Hawaii, Oregon, and California.  The program will allow the states to take maximum advantage of services offered by the Center for Ocean Analysis and Prediction.

The benefits of participating in the liaison program include:  (1) receiving information on the oceanographic data and products available from the center for ocean analysis and prediction; (2) provides a forum and opportunity for COAP to become aware of state and local concerns; (3) facilitates communication between the center and states who need the information and; (4) provides an opportunity for the states to receive technical assistance through COAP workshops.

The Department of Ecology and the Department of Natural Resources will represent the State in the liaison program.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 4, 1991.

Effective Date:  Ninety days adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)  has a great deal of valuable information.  This center will allow NOAA to disseminate information which is useful to the coastal states. Washington's participation in the program will work well with Ecology's beach erosion program.  The center will also be useful in  Ecology's study of sea level rise and it's impact on the State.  This program should make site specific information available.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Representative Bob Basich (in favor); and Rodney Mack, Department of Ecology (in favor).