Brief Description: Concerning the sale of aquaculture products produced on leased state-owned aquatic land.

Sponsors: Senator Jacobsen.

Hearing Date: 3/17/05

Staff: Jason Callahan (786-7117).

Background:

State-owned aquatic lands may be leased by private enterprises for the production of aquaculture products. The Department of Natural Resources (Department) is authorized to enter into 30-year leases with aquaculture producers on tidelands and the beds of navigable waters. In most instances, the value of the aquaculture products produced on state-owned aquatic lands belongs to the lessee of the lands.

However, geoducks must be sold by the state as a valuable material, regardless if they are naturally-occurring or raised as an aquaculture product. All valuable materials must be sold at a public auction or by sealed bid to the highest responsible bidder.

Summary of Bill:

Aquaculture products that are produced on state-owned aquatic lands may be sold by the person that produced the product without going through a competitive bid or public auction process.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.