Title: An act relating to Puget Sound marine resource committees.

Brief Description: Authorizing the creation of marine resource committees.

Sponsors: House Committee on Select Committee on Puget Sound (originally sponsored by Representatives Rolfes, Strow, Appleton, Hunt, Springer, McDermott, VanDeWege, Seaquist, McCoy, Eickmeyer and Lantz).

Brief History: Passed House: 2/28/07, 97-0.

Committee Activity: Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation: 3/19/07, 3/28/07 [DPA].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, OCEAN & RECREATION

Majority Report: Do pass as amended.Signed by Senators Jacobsen, Chair; Rockefeller, Vice Chair; Morton, Ranking Minority Member; Fraser, Hargrove, Poulsen, Spanel, Stevens and Swecker.

Staff: Kim Johnson (786-7346)

Background: Congress created the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative (Conservation Initiative) in 1998 as a conservation and restoration program serving the northwest portion of Puget Sound. The Conservation Initiative is charged with establishing community-based marine stewardship, conducting citizen-driven scientific studies on marine species and their
habitat, and restoring marine habitat.

The Conservation Initiative has established 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, tribal government, 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 rockyreef fish.

Summary of Substitute Bill: Each county bordering Puget Sound is authorized to establish an MRC to address the needs of the marine ecosystem local to that county. An MRC may only be created by a county legislative authority, in cooperation with cities and local special districts. A county may delegate management and oversight of an MRC to a coastal city within its boundaries, and may designate and delegate more than one MRC if different cities within the county border sufficiently distinct waters. Residents may petition their county legislative authority for the establishment of an MRC, and the county must respond to that petition within 60 days of receipt.

The membership of the MRC is established by the initiating local government, and must include balanced representation from the local government, the scientific community, and economic, recreational, scientific, and conservation interests.

Once created, an MRC is directed to review existing data and conservation programs in order
to make prioritized recommendations as to what else could be done in the area local to the MRC. In addition to making conservation recommendations, the MRC may work to help implement any accepted recommendations, promote public outreach, and engage in other activities deemed appropriate by the initiating local government.

The Puget Sound Action Team (PSAT), or its successor organization, is designated as the coordinating entity for the various MRCs. As such, PSAT is to help coordinate communication, pool grant funding, and assist local projects that fit within regional goals.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY RECOMMENDED AMENDMENT(S) AS PASSED COMMITTEE (Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation): Counties on the outer coast are authorized to establish marine resource committees. The Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) is designated as the regional coordinating entity for marine resource committees that are created by outer coast counties.

Outer coast marine resource committees are required to meet and consult with key governmental entities and private interest groups to develop a collaborative process to address ocean policy issues.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The MRCs established by the federal government in the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative effort are working well for the portion of the Puget Sound that are eligible to participate in the program by allowing those living close to the water to participate in the restoration and protection of the water. The model that has worked so well in the north Puget Sound should be expanded statewide, so that all Puget Sound communities can participate. Currently only about one-third of the Hood Canal, and much of the Puget Sound, does not have an opportunity to participate in the MRC process. The MRC model connects people to the marine environment and produces valuable advice and information for local governments.

The MRC model is in-line with the Governor's Puget Sound Partnership initiative, is a compliment to existing watershed management efforts, and aids the state in working with local stakeholders.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Tom Clingman, Department of Ecology; Fran McNair, Department of Natural Resources; Tim Smith, DFW.