| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Select Committee on Puget Sound | |
HJM 4002
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Requesting that Congress fund the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative.
Sponsors: Representatives B. Sullivan, Upthegrove, Rolfes, Sells, Chase, Kenney and Linville.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
Hearing Date: 1/24/07
Staff: Karen Rogers (786-7388).
Background:
Congress mandates and funds the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative
(Conservation Initiative), a conservation and restoration program serving the Puget Sound in
northwest Washington. Its charges are to establish community-based marine stewardship,
conduct citizen-driven scientific studies on marine species and their habitat, and restore marine
habitat.
The Conservation Initiative has seven Marine Resource Committees (MRCs), one for each of the
following counties: Clallam, Island, Jefferson, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom.
Each of these MRCs is citizen-based, with representatives from local government, the tribal
government co-managers, and the scientific, economic, recreational and conservation
communities. Each MRC has specific preservation and protection actions that are pertinent to
their area. Current MRC projects include surveys of marine habitats, mapping eelgrass beds,
outreach and education to local communities, compiling scientific data, and protecting rocky-reef
fish.
Summary of Bill:
The Legislature requests that Congress continue to mandate and fund the Northwest Straits
Marine Conservation Initiative.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.