Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Trade & Economic Development Committee

ESJM 8016

Brief Description:  Emphasizing free and fair trade of nonanadromous aquaculture products between the United States and Canada.

Sponsors:  By Senators Shin, Rasmussen and Sheahan.

Brief Summary of Engrossed Bill

$Requests that the President and Congress emphasize the importance of free and fair trade of nonanadromous aquaculture products in its relations with the Canadian government.

Hearing Date: 3/27/01

Staff:  Kenny Pittman (786‑7392).

Background: 

Washington's aquaculture industry produces high-quality, pathogen-free, nonanadromous aquacultural products for sale throughout the world.  However, it has experienced difficulty exporting some of its products to Canada.  Currently, the Canadian government requires that Atlantic salmon eggs being imported to British Columbia must be quarantined.  There has been concern expressed that the Canadian government's import restrictions act as a barrier to the sale of Washington's aquacultural products.

Washington's aquaculture industry employs hundreds of people and generates over $40 million in products.  Canadian fish farmers have expressed the desire to purchase high-quality nonanadromous aquacultural products from Washington state producers.  A nonanadromous fish, unlike a steelhead or salmon, is one that does not migrate from salt water to fresh water, or fresh water to salt water, to spawn (examples include trout, cod, and catfish).

Summary of Bill: 

The Senate and House of Representatives of the state of Washington petition the President and Congress of the United States to emphasize the importance of the free and fair trade of nonanadromous aquaculture products in its relations with the Canadian government.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.