HB 2575 - DIGEST

     Declares that it is the policy of the state of Washington to establish a scientifically defensible network of marine protected areas in Puget Sound.  The department, the department of ecology, the department of natural resources, the Puget Sound action team, and the state parks and recreation commission must work together and with local authorities to achieve this goal.

     Authorizes the legislative authority for each city and county that borders the marine waters of Puget Sound to establish marine resource committees.

     Creates the Puget Sound marine protection task force.

     Provides that, by December 31, 2002, the task force must report to the legislature and provide recommendations on ways in which state and local efforts to establish marine protected areas, marine reserves, and similar programs can be better coordinated and make better use of limited financial resources, while simultaneously ensuring protection of the marine environment.

     Provides that, in establishing marine reserves and marine protected areas, state and local governments must recognize the comanagement role of tribal governments.