HB 1958 - DIGEST

Requires that nonstate-owned bedlands or tidelands owned or held under contract or deed upon which a private party is commercially harvesting or cultivating geoduck must be surveyed by the private party and a record of survey filed in compliance with chapter 58.09 RCW prior to harvest.

Directs the joint legislative audit and review committee to evaluate the current status of the geoduck resource in Washington and report to the legislature by December 1, 2004. The report must: Include an update on the current harvest trends and policies to determine the sustainability of the geoduck harvest; include the role of aquaculture and reseeding in geoduck management and enforcement; and make recommendations for improving the health of the geoduck resource while maximizing economic benefits.