SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5784

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.

Background: West Coast Governors' Agreement on Ocean Health (WCGA). On September 18, 2006, the Governors of California, Oregon, and Washington entered into the WCGA. The WCGA cites a need to improve coordination among coastal governing bodies, and states a desire to advance the following goals:

clean coastal waters and beaches;

promote effective ecosystem based management;

reduce impacts of offshore development;

increase ocean awareness and literacy among the region's citizens;

expand ocean and coastal scientific information, research, and monitoring; and

encourage sustainable economic development of coastal communities.

Marine Management Planning in Washington. In the 2010 session, the Legislature created an interagency team (team) and directed the team to:

recommend a framework for integrating marine spatial planning into the state's management planning efforts by December 15, 2010; and

coordinate development of a comprehensive marine management plan for the state's marine waters, when non-state funds are available.

Summary of Bill: Makes a Series of Findings and Statements Regarding Ocean and Coastal Resource Management. The Legislature:

finds that Washington, Oregon, and California have a common interest in marine waters management, and that coordination between these states is essential to achieve effective resource management;
recognizes the West Coast Governor's Agreement on Ocean Health as an important step towards such coordination; and
cites the potential for federal resources and policy gains resulting from coordination, and calls for continued coordination efforts through the West Coast Governor's Agreement and the Legislatures.

Creates a Process for the Establishment of the Washington State Ocean and Coastal Resources Foundation. A process for the establishment of the Washington State Ocean and Coastal Resources Foundation is created. The nonprofit foundation solicits contributions for the benefit of ocean and coastal resources, and funds related projects and management planning efforts.