FINAL BILL REPORT

                           SSB 6204

                          C 286 L 94

                      SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

Brief Description:  Changing seaweed harvesting provisions.

SPONSORS: Senate Committee on Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Senators Snyder and Haugen)

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON FISHERIES & WILDLIFE

BACKGROUND:

Seaweed is used extensively by fish populations for protection and for spawning.  Studies have shown removal of seaweed, especially kelp, has a detrimental effect on salmon production.  The 1993 Legislature set a limit on the amount of seaweed which could be taken from private and public lands.

SUMMARY:

The commercial harvesting of seaweed from private and public aquatic lands is prohibited. 

It is a misdemeanor to over-harvest for personal use.  Treble damages may be awarded for damage to natural resources.  Damages may be awarded for resource restoration, loss of seaweed or injury to the aquatic ecosystem.  The Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Natural Resources may jointly allow a herring on kelp fishery.  Kelp may not be imported after July 1, 1995, for use in the herring on kelp fishery.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

Senate    48   0

House     93   1    (House amended)

Senate             (Senate refused to concur)

Conference Committee

House     93   3

Senate    45   0

EFFECTIVE:July 1, 1994