SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5198

          AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & WATER RESOURCES,

                               FEBRUARY 19, 1991

Brief Description:  Authorizing the development of aquatic animal diagnostic, certification, and extension services and curricula.

SPONSORS:Senators Barr, Gaspard, Madsen, Amondson, Nelson, Metcalf, Bailey, Hansen, Conner, Wojahn, Snyder and Rasmussen.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & WATER RESOURCES

Majority Report:  Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

      Signed by Senators Barr, Chairman; Anderson, Vice Chairman; Bailey, Conner, Gaspard, Hansen, and Newhouse. 

Staff:  Steve Nelsen (786‑7535)

Hearing Dates: February 5, 1991; February 19, 1991

BACKGROUND:

Aquaculture is a growing industry within the state of Washington with an annual production value already in excess of $40,000,000.  Limited information is available regarding the effect of disease on farmed fish and shellfish and there is concern that the state lacks sufficient diagnostic, certification, and extension services.  Further, there is no training or medical service curriculum provided at any Washington institution of higher learning for private sector aquatic animal health, diagnostics, or certification.  The aquaculture industry feels these services are needed in order to provide for further economic growth as directed by the Governor's "Policy on Aquaculture."

SUMMARY:

The Department of Agriculture is required to contract with Washington State University to establish and operate an aquatic animal health diagnostic and extension laboratory and certification service.  Washington State University, in cooperation with the University of Washington, is required to establish a training program in the field of aquatic animal health and disease.

Appropriation:  $727,000

Revenue:  yes

Fiscal Note:  requested February 1, 1991

TESTIMONY FOR:

Demand for aquatic animal diagnostic services is irregular, and at times, exceeds the capabilities of current facilities.  A reliable diagnostic resource is essential to growth of the aquaculture industry.  Certification of products is necessary for those products to be marketable.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Jim Wilcox, Trout Unlimited (pro); Kevin Amos, Washington Department of Fisheries (pro); Jim Zimmerman, Troutlodge (pro); Kristina Seabolt, Troutlodge (pro)