SB 5400-S.E - DIGEST

(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 3/19/03)

Provides that, by January 1, 2004, the department and the department of fish and wildlife shall initiate an agreement to conduct joint research projects with the geoduck harvesters association, holders of aquatic farm registrations, and recognized treaty tribes of Washington, hereinafter referred to as cooperators, for an initial term of ten years, with the option of an additional term of ten years, to examine the subtidal geoduck aquaculture industry in the state of Washington.

Requires the geoduck aquaculture research project to use scientific methods to determine sustainability of geoduck aquaculture and assess potential impacts to the aquatic ecosystem.

Directs the department to lease the use of state-owned aquatic lands for the geoduck aquaculture research project and to determine the location of leases and project design jointly with the cooperators.

Provides that, at the end of the first year of the geoduck aquaculture research project and each year thereafter, the department shall provide a progress report on the project to the standing legislative committees with jurisdiction. The second report and all subsequent reports must include an assessment of geoduck aquaculture, its impact on the aquatic ecosystem, and recommendations regarding continuation or expansion of the research project. Each report must include the perspective of the association, the geoduck aquaculture industry, and the tribes.