S-4839.1 _______________________________________________
SECOND SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL 6593
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State of Washington 55th Legislature 1998 Regular Session
By Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Swecker, Rasmussen and Morton)
Read first time 02/10/98.
AN ACT Relating to the department of natural resources; and adding new sections to chapter 79.90 RCW.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 79.90 RCW to read as follows:
The legislature recognizes the importance of aquaculture, including finfish net-pen aquaculture, to the state of Washington. When practiced in an environmentally safe manner, finfish net-pen aquaculture provides long-term economic benefits, fosters water-dependent uses of state waters, and encompasses activities that should be promoted by the state. Recognizing the desirability of aquaculture, the legislature finds that there is a need to identify locations for finfish net-pen aquaculture that will reduce land-use conflicts and adverse environmental impacts.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 79.90 RCW to read as follows:
The department of natural resources shall study establishment of finfish net-pen aquaculture zones within the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and areas in the Pacific Ocean, selecting locations which (1) reduce land-use conflicts, (2) minimize competition with other water-dependent uses, (3) limit adverse environmental impacts, and (4) provide optimal marine and weather conditions for finfish net pens.
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