SENATE BILL REPORT

                           SSB 6204

              AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 9, 1994

Brief Description:  Changing seaweed harvesting provisions.

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

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6204 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass. 

     Signed by Senators Owen, Chairman; Hargrove, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Erwin, Franklin, Haugen, Oke, Sellar and Spanel.

Staff:  Vic Moon (786‑7469)

Hearing Dates: January 31, 1994

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.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Fish and Wildlife may establish seaweed harvest limits of less than ten pounds for conservation purposes.  The commercial harvesting of seaweed from private and public lands and aquatic lands of all state waters is prohibited. 

A misdemeanor provision is provided under RCW 9.92 and treble damages may be awarded for damage to natural resources.  The Department of Fish and Wildlife and other law enforcement authorities may enforce the provisions of this act.  The act takes effect July 1, 1994.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

Effective Date:  July 1, 1994

TESTIMONY FOR:

The Department of Natural Resources has a moratorium on commercial harvest and supports the bill.  The herring roe on kelp fishery, which did not take place last year because of diseased kelp problems, uses kelp imported for the fishery and not native kelp.  This resource must be protected to enhance fishing opportunity.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  PRO:  Milton Gudgell, Ilwaco Charters; Ann Morgan, Dept. of Natural Resources; Barb Lindsay, NW Sports Fishing Industry; Cyreis Schmitt, Dept. Fisheries and Wildlife

HOUSE AMENDMENT(S):

Language allowing aquaculture commercial seaweed harvest is added and the harvest of herring spawn or kelp will be allowed if both the Departments of Natural Resources and Fish and Wildlife agree.  The language on trespass and damage to resources is clarified.