S-1697

S-1697.3 _______________________________________________

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL 5666

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State of Washington 52nd Legislature 1991 Regular Session

By Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Senators Rasmussen, Metcalf, Snyder, Hansen, Patterson, Bauer, von Reichbauer, Barr and Thorsness). Read first time February 27, 1991. Referred to Committee on Environment & Natural Resources.

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 marine mammal protection 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 marine 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 RCW 75.08.012 and 77.12.240 to protect this state's steelhead and salmon resources.

Sec. 2. RCW 75.08.012 and 1983 1st ex.s. c 46 s 5 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 pursue all available options in order to gain authority from the National Marine Fisheries Service for lethal removal of nonendangered marine mammals that are preying upon salmon or steelhead. After the authority is granted the department shall remove or destroy nonendangered marine mammals that are reducing the state's salmon or steelhead population.

Sec. 3. RCW 77.12.240 and 1989 c 197 s 1 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. Proceeds from sales shall be deposited in the state treasury to be credited to the state wildlife fund.