| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee | |
HJM 4029
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 Liias, Loomis, Ericks, Sells, Rolfes, Seaquist, McCoy, Upthegrove, Hunt, Williams, Linville, Appleton, Smith, Morrell, McIntire and Pearson.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/4/08
Staff: Jaclyn Ford (786-7339).
Background:
Congress authorized a study of the Northwest Straits region in the mid-1980s for potential
inclusion in the National Marine Sanctuary system. In 1997, United States Senator Patty Murray
and United States Representative Jack Metcalf established a blue-ribbon committee (known as
the Murray-Metcalf Commission) to explore alternative models for protecting and restoring
marine resources in the Northwest Straits. The Murray-Metcalf Commission agreed that the
Northwest Straits marine ecosystem and its marine resources were in serious trouble, citing
declining populations of bottomfish, sea birds, invertebrates, salmon, and some populations of
marine mammals as prime examples. The Murray-Metcalf Commission published a report,
known as the Report to the Convenors, which laid the groundwork for what was to become the
Northwest Straits Initiative. The result is the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative,
authorized by Congress in 1998.
Summary of Bill:
The Legislature respectfully requests that Congress continue to mandate and fund the Northwest
Straits Marine Conservation Initiative in order to protect, preserve, and restore environmental
health to Puget Sound.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.