SENATE BILL REPORT

ESJM 8016

As Passed Senate, March 14, 2001

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

Sponsors:  Senators Shin, Rasmussen, and Sheahan.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Agriculture & International Trade:  2/16/01 [DP].

Passed Senate:  3/14/01, 46-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Majority Report:  Do pass.

Signed by Senators Rasmussen, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Parlette, Sheahan, Snyder and Swecker.

Staff:  Bob Lee (786‑7404)

Background:  Washington's aquaculture industry exports salmon and trout eggs and smolts throughout the world.  However, it has experienced difficulty exporting to Canada.  For example, Canada requires that Atlantic salmon eggs being imported to British Columbia undergo a quarantine.  It does not allow the importation of Atlantic salmon smolts.  Aquaculturists in both the United States and Canada, as well as some U.S. government officials, have questioned the need for Canada's import restrictions.

Summary of Bill:  The federal government is asked to emphasize the importance of the free and fair trade of nonanadromous aquacultural products between the United State and Canada in its dealings with Canada.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Testimony For:  The Canadian import restrictions that have been imposed over the last 15 years make the products very costly to import into Canada.  The restrictions have caused a decline in the aquaculture industry in Washington.  The restrictions may violate NAFTA.  This is a national issue and it would help greatly to work out a memorandum of understanding with Canada on this issue.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified (on issue):  Jim Zimmerman, Troutlodge Inc.; Pete Granger, Washington Fish Growers Association; Per Heggelund, Aquaseed Corp.

House Amendment(s):  The term ?nonanadromous aquacultural products@ is replaced with the term ?upland aquacultural products.@