SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6384

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

    Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation, February 2, 2000

Title:  An act relating to marine finfish aquaculture.

Brief Description:  Requiring rules to regulate finfish aquaculture.

Sponsors:  Senators Jacobsen, Spanel and Gardner.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation:  1/27/2000, 2/2/2000 [DPS-WM].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, PARKS & RECREATION

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6384 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

  Signed by Senators Jacobsen, Chair; T. Sheldon, Vice Chair; Hargrove, Morton, Oke, Rossi, Snyder and Stevens.

Staff:  Vic Moon (786-7469)

Background:  Aquaculture and facilities in Washington have accidentally released Atlantic salmon into Puget Sound.  Similar accidental releases in Canada have resulted in the successful spawning of Atlantic salmon in Canadian waters.  Because of the endangered  species listings, there is concern that Atlantic salmon could effect the recovery of species which are native to Washington.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  The Legislature recognizes that it is necessary to minimize the impact of escaped Atlantic salmon through statewide prevention measures, and that it is prudent to prohibit the expansion of salmon net pens until controls can be implemented.

The Director of the Department of Fisheries must develop and administer rules in several areas:  (1) providing prevention of escapees from cultured marine finfish facilities; (2) developing provisions for management plans to facilitate the most rapid recapture of fish; (3) developing provisions for the eradication of fish that have escaped; (4) developing management practices based on the best available science and approval of antifoulants; (5) developing provisions for an Atlantic salmon watch program similar to that in effect in British Columbia; and (6) developing an education program to assist marine aquaculture facilities to operate in an environmentally sound manner.

The directors of Fish and Wildlife and of Ecology must approve an antifoulant within 60 days of the effective date of the act.  The industry must develop plans to prevent escapements.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The substitute has no moratorium on new facilities, does not address antifoulants and does not affect fish delivery permits.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Testimony For:  Atlantic salmon have escaped and have reproduced in the wild in Canada.  The industry needs tighter environmental controls.

Testimony Against:  The industry is already changing practices to prevent escapement and to protect the environment.  No further regulation is needed.

Testified:  PRO:  Anne Mosness, Puget Sound Gillnetter=s Assn.; Jeff Koenings, Kevin Amos, WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife; Frank Urabeck, NMTA; Ed Owens, Coalition of Coastal Fisheries; CON:  John Forester, Cypress Salmon; Kevin Bright, Cypress Island Inc.; Dan Rotter, NW Sea Farms; Julia C. Walker, APHETI; Jim Zimmerman, Troutlodge; Al Woodbridge, WA Property Rights Alliance; Jim Haase, WA State Grange; Pete Granger, WA Fish Growers Assn.; Linda Johnson, Farm Bureau.