1896-S2 AMH APPL DINE 043

2SHB 1896 - H AMD

By Representative Appleton

   Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

   "NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 79.96 RCW to read as follows:

   The department shall conduct a study to determine if changes to the geoduck populations in Hood Canal have occurred over time. The department's study shall compare prior population surveys with current surveys conducted as part of this study. The study shall incorporate geoduck beds representative of the northern, central, and southern areas of Hood Canal. No later than January 1, 2006, the department shall submit a report describing the study results to the appropriate committees of the legislature.

   NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 79.96 RCW to read as follows:

   The department shall conduct a study to assess the relationship between the Hood Canal's geoduck population levels and environmental conditions, including dissolved oxygen concentrations. To conduct this study, the department shall establish geoduck index stations near the department of ecology's Hood Canal water sampling stations. The index stations shall include stations representative of the northern, central, and southern areas of Hood Canal. No later than December 1, 2007, the department shall submit a report describing the study results to the appropriate committees of the legislature.

   NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. A new section is added to chapter 79.96 RCW to read as follows:

   The department shall conduct a study to establish an age profile and analyze the shell oxidation rate of Hood Canal geoduck. To conduct this study, the department shall establish sampling stations representative of the northern, central, and southern areas of Hood Canal. No later than December 1, 2007, the department shall submit a report describing the study results to the appropriate committees of the legislature.

   NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. Sections 1 through 3 of this act expire July 1, 2008."

Correct the title.

EFFECT: Replaces the requirement for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive survey of geoducks and sea cucumbers in Hood Canal by 2007 with requirements for the DNR to conduct studies to: (1) determine if changes to Hood Canal geoduck populations have occurred over time; (2) assess the relationship between Hood Canal geoduck population levels and environmental conditions; and (3) establish an age profile and analyze the shell oxidation rate of Hood Canal geoduck. Expires these provisions on July 1, 2008.