SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6148

                    As of January 26, 1996

Title:  An act relating to aquaculture.

Brief Description:  Creating the terminal area aquaculture siting advisory board.

Sponsors:  Senators Swecker and Snyder.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources:  1/30/96.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Staff:  Erika Lim (786-7488)

Background:  There is no state program to determine appropriate sites for aquaculture projects.

Summary of Bill:  The Terminal Area Aquaculture Siting Advisory Board is created to assess and recommend at least ten sites for a variety of aquaculture uses.  This report must be prepared by December 31, 1996, and revised every year, and then presented to the Governor, appropriate legislative committees, and other interested parties.  There are 11 factors the board must use to develop its recommendations.

Every year, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) must provide the board with a list of potential sites for aquaculture development.  DNR is required to use Department of Ecology siting stands to select the potential sites.  DNR must also develop a schedule for reduced aquatic land lease rates for aquaculture projects that produce a public benefit.  Aquaculture projects designed to produce only public benefits pay no aquatic land lease payments.

The board comprises 14 members representing various interests and user groups.  The Department of Agriculture staffs the board.

Appropriation:  $20,000.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested. 

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