BILL REQ. #:  H-4825.1 

READ FIRST TIME 02/02/06.   

     AN ACT Relating to authorizing a geoduck pilot program in the Hood Canal aquatic rehabilitation zone; and adding a new section to chapter 79.135 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 79.135 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The department shall implement a pilot program to test the effectiveness of planting geoducks on state aquatic lands located in the aquatic rehabilitation zone established in RCW 90.88.010(2). The pilot program may be on appropriate state subtidal and intertidal lands including lands managed by the department and the state parks and recreation commission. The program must be developed and implemented in consultation with the department of fish and wildlife. The program must be designed to use test plantings and monitoring of geoduck populations on test sites to determine if harvestable populations may be achieved in a manner that will maintain healthy geoduck populations, reestablish geoduck populations in areas affected by low-dissolved oxygen levels, and increase revenues over that achievable from natural regeneration. The department shall design the test program to compare geoduck populations of the test sites with other sites in the aquatic rehabilitation zone established in RCW 90.88.010(2) providing comparable growing conditions. The department may contract with geoduck harvesters licensed in accordance with chapter 77.65 RCW to plant the seed and to monitor geoduck populations on the test sites. In conducting the pilot program, the department shall work with school districts, veterans organizations, and other interested groups to actively involve and educate citizens regarding the environmental issues in Hood Canal and the role geoducks play in the ecosystem.
     (2) The program must be designed to test geoduck populations and growth rates for a period of at least five years. No later than December 31, 2011, the department shall report the results of the program to the appropriate committees of the legislature and make recommendations as to whether the program should be expanded, otherwise modified, or terminated.