SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5348

As of February 27, 2003

Title: An act relating to fish barriers at fish hatcheries.

Brief Description: Regarding fish barriers at fish hatcheries.

Sponsors: Senators Haugen, Swecker, Doumit, Morton, Rasmussen, Hargrove, Horn, Spanel and Esser.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Parks, Fish & Wildlife: 3/3/03.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON PARKS, FISH & WILDLIFE

Staff: Kari Guy (786-7437)

Background: Current state law provides that obstructions across streams are to be provided with a fishway approved by the Department of Fish and Wildlife. The fishway is to be maintained and continuously supplied with sufficient water to freely pass fish. If the person fails to construct a fishway or remove the obstruction, the director may construct a fishway or remove the obstruction.

Water diversions and fish traps at state hatcheries may cause complete or partial barriers to fish passage.

Summary of Bill: Fish barrier dams at Department of Fish and Wildlife facilities must be provided with an efficient fishway. The department must provide an operating fishway at the fish barrier dam located at the fish hatchery on the Samish River by September 15, 2003.

The department must conduct an inventory of all barriers that exist at fish hatcheries in the state that block upstream access for anadromous fish. The inventory must include the owner of the hatchery, the number of stream miles blocked, the species below the barrier, and whether the species is listed under the federal Endangered Species Act. The inventory must be submitted to the Legislature by December 1, 2003.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.