1326-S AMH ROLF FORD 047

SHB 1326 - H AMD 40

By Representative Rolfes

ADOPTED 3/03/2009

    On page 2, line 27, after "population" insert ", the impact of removal of sardines and other forage fish to the marine ecosystem, including the effect on endangered marine species,"

    On page 3, line 13, after "licenses." insert the following:

    "(8) The director shall adopt rules that require a person fishing under a Washington Pacific sardine purse seine fishery license or a temporary annual permit to minimize by-catch, and to the extent by-catch cannot be avoided, to minimize the mortality of such by-catch.

    (9) The director shall report annually to the legislature on the amount of lost and derelict gear that remains in Washington waters as a result of purse seine fisheries and the effects that gear has caused on the marine ecosystem."

EFFECT:  Requires the Director of the WDFW to consider the impact of the removal of sardines and other forage fish from the marine ecosystem, including the effect on endangered marine species, in addition to the status of the sardine population and the market demand within the state. 

           Requires the Director of the WDFW to adopt rules reflected in the Magnuson-Stevens Act (16 U.S.C. 1851) that require a person fishing under a Washington Pacific sardine purse seine fishery license or a temporary annual permit to minimize by-catch, and the mortality of such by-catch. Requires the Director of the WDFW to report annually to the Legislature on the amount and effects of lost and derelict gear in Washington waters as a result of purse seine fisheries.

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