HB 1996-S.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Protects commercial fishing catch data from logbooks required to be provided to the department of fish and wildlife under RCW 77.12.047, when the data identifies specific catch location, timing, or methodology and the release of which would result in unfair competitive disadvantage to the commercial fisher providing the catch data.  However, this information may be released to government agencies concerned with the management of fish and wildlife resources.

     Protects sensitive wildlife data obtained by the department of fish and wildlife.  However, sensitive wildlife data may be released to government agencies concerned with the management of fish and wildlife resources.

     Declares that sensitive wildlife data includes, but is not limited to:

     (1) The nesting sites or specific locations of endangered species designated under RCW 77.12.020, or threatened or sensitive species classified by rule of the department of fish and wildlife;

     (2) Radio frequencies used in, or locational data generated by, telemetry studies; or

     (3) Other location data that could compromise the viability of a specific fish or wildlife population.